An Isle of Man café owner says independent businesses must give customers a compelling reason to choose them, rather than relying on local loyalty to survive increasing competition.

Tim Brogan, who owns Gourmet Shakes N Snacks, believes independent traders need to innovate, adapt and offer something that larger supermarkets cannot easily replicate.

His comments follow an appeal from The Quirky Teapot in Ballasalla, which urged customers to support local businesses amid concerns about the ‘Tesco effect’ and increased supermarket competition.

While acknowledging the pressures facing independent cafés and other traders, Mr Brogan says blaming Tesco and larger retailers alone is too simplistic.

After more than 12 years running his business on the island, he says hospitality has changed considerably, alongside customers’ expectations, spending habits and use of cafés.

He says turnover at Gourmet Shakes N Snacks has more than quadrupled since its move out of Douglas town centre.

He said the move had been accompanied by changes to the business, rather than a change of address, as customers sought different experiences.

Mr Brogan said: ‘You simply cannot stand still in hospitality.

‘I genuinely believe that you cannot expect to survive in today's market by simply offering tea and toast and hoping customers continue to walk through the door.

‘That's not a criticism of traditional cafés, but a recognition that the market has moved on.’

He believes cafés increasingly need to offer customers more than somewhere to buy food and drink.

Gourmet Shakes N Snacks has developed into a community space, hosting trading card evenings and other events, as well as supporting local charities.

Mr Brogan said his aim was to provide a welcoming place where people of different ages and backgrounds could socialise and feel part of a community.

The events are part of his approach to giving people a reason to visit, spend time and return, beyond ordering refreshments.

He believes such experiences help independent businesses stand apart from larger retailers.

Although recognising the buying power, pricing and convenience offered by supermarket chains, Mr Brogan questioned whether Tesco should be blamed for the difficulties experienced by independent cafés.

He said: ‘Personally, I think blaming Tesco for the struggles of independent cafés is far too simplistic.

‘Tesco hasn't changed the fact that consumer expectations are evolving. It hasn't stopped independent businesses from innovating, diversifying or finding new ways to attract customers.

‘We cannot expect people to support local businesses purely because they're local. We have to give people a genuine reason to choose us.’

He stressed his respect for anyone taking the risk of running an independent business, but suggested owners should first consider how they could adapt rather than attribute their difficulties entirely to external competition.

Mr Brogan believes independent hospitality businesses still have a positive future on the Isle of Man, provided they respond to changing demands.

‘The future of independent hospitality isn't about trying to beat Tesco at being Tesco,’ he said. ‘It's about offering something Tesco can't.’