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To the east of Sète, the antique shop-restaurant Comme à la Maison is going through a period of uncertainty that affects the heart of its owners, Aurore and Stéphane Carretero. With nearly 20 years of shared stories and more than 200,000 clients welcomed, this place has transformed into a meeting point full of warmth. Threatened by an expropriation procedure, they watch their life project crumble under the weight of a decision that threatens their identity and their future.

How Does Expropriation Impact the Antique Shop-Restaurant ‘Comme à la Maison’?

Its location on Avenue Martelli makes the antique shop-restaurant ‘Comme à la Maison’ a beloved spot in Sète for nearly 20 years. Known for its generous family cuisine, it attracts a loyal clientele that regularly meets there. However, the deep commitment of the owners, Aurore and Stéphane Carretero, is being jeopardized due to an expropriation procedure. This process, aimed at making way for a ZAC Est project, brings a wave of uncertainty for these restaurateurs. The Carretero’s have invested years of work and love to build this space, and the idea of being forced to leave it raises painful questions.

The consequences of this expulsion go beyond physical walls. With rents soaring on the Thau Basin, finding a similar space is a monumental challenge. Stéphane Carretero shares his despair: “Today, rents have tripled. 100 m² on the Thau Basin costs 1000 €. We need at least 500 m². We can’t. We can’t find anything.” Mapping a future for their business becomes more precarious by the day.

What Do Places Like ‘Comme à la Maison’ Represent for the People of Sète?

‘Comme à la Maison’ is not just a simple address; it is a true meeting point in the Sète community. Breaking down barriers between generations, this establishment is a place where stories intersect. The intimate layout of the restaurant, its rustic tables, and its antique shop create a warm atmosphere. Thus, it has become a symbol of what Sète has best to offer.

The impact of closing such a space is therefore multiple:

• Breakdown of Social Ties: More than 200,000 visitors since its opening have woven memories here.
• Economic Losses: For employees, the prospect of layoffs is disturbing.
• Reduction of Cultural Offerings: The antique shop, for example, reflects local and artisanal culture.
• Change in Local Dynamics: The disappearance of such a place alters the social fabric of the city.

What Are the Reactions of Customers and the Community?

Within the community, the reactions reflect a real attachment. Regular customers, aware of the stakes, express their concern regarding the uncertainty. Solidarity emerges through initiatives such as petitions, despite the Carretero’s reluctance to fuel a confrontation. Stéphane mentions a special relationship with his clients, even referencing some familiar faces. Their stories, their familiar faces echo a palpable nostalgia.

The people of Sète seem united by the desire to preserve this space. In this context, the beautiful postcards of Sète, the stories of customers, and Stéphane’s cuisine are all intertwined under the same roof. A sincere bond has been established, making the risk of expropriation even more significant.

What Future Awaits the Owners of ‘Comme à la Maison’?

For Aurore and Stéphane, the future darkens as they contemplate a forced move. The feeling of helplessness mingles with anxiety as they try to find viable solutions. With rents particularly high, and the need for more than 500 m², the search for a new location is more than just a move: it is a reinvention.

Moreover, the financial burdens to bear are multiplying. They would need to consider significant investments to transfer a substantial stock of antiques. Financial considerations overlay emotional ones, further intensifying the pressure on the couple. The answer to the question of their future is vague and uncertain:

• Would they seek to relocate elsewhere?
• Could this be an opportunity for personal transformation?
• Would it allow them to redefine their business model?

How Is the Institution Reacting to This Situation?

At the institutional level, the expropriation process is a delicate subject. The texts governing this type of procedure provide for investigations and assessments of the impacts on affected establishments. However, the advancement of projects does not always take human dimension into account.*

Stéphane highlights this lack of consideration, expressing real frustration regarding the absence of concrete support in the face of the challenges they face. He bitterly testifies to a “lack of empathy” that directly affects them as people engaged in their project. The voices of citizens do not always seem to be heard behind administrative decisions.

What Solutions Are Being Considered to Save This Place?

In the urgency of the situation, several avenues of reflection emerge. The owners, though anxious, remain open to solutions to find a compromise. The options considered include:

• Consultation with Local Authorities: Engaging in dialogue to explore viable alternatives.
• Crowdfunding: Mobilizing the community to financially support the move and recreate the space.
• Community Events: Organizing events to mobilize and rekindle interest in the establishment.

These efforts would be essential not only to maintain their business in an uncertain future, but also to preserve the spirit of conviviality that prevails in this emblematic place in Sète.

The antique shop-restaurant Comme à la Maison in Sète, with nearly twenty years of existence, is facing an expropriation that questions not only its future but also that of an entire community. The owners, Stéphane and Aurore Carretero, have built a place dear to the people of Sète, a spot where human warmth and conviviality thrive authentically. However, this delicate situation forces them to reflect on a new reality marked by uncertainty and disarray.

The decision of the commercial court to expropriate has created a real shockwave in this close-knit community. The financial challenges posed by this procedure suggest a troubled future for the employees and the loyal clientele who flock to this cozy haven. The support of these patrons demonstrates the importance of the place, where memories and stories intertwine.

As the couple tries to navigate this difficult context, the sorrow felt suggests that Comme à la Maison goes far beyond the simple framework of an antique shop-restaurant. It embodies values of sharing, resilience, and attachment that deserve to be preserved. The future remains uncertain, but the fight continues to save this precious heritage.