A raffle to win… a restaurant. This is the original idea of a couple of restaurateurs from the south-west, owners of the establishment “Le Pare-Faim” in Uzos (Pyrénées-Atlantiques). It germinated in the minds of Carey and Vincent Lucas, 61 years old and eager to retire, faced with the difficulties of transmitting their business for two years, the potential buyers all coming up against the obstacle of financing.
“Aware of the financial pressure when starting a business, we offer the possibility for someone to settle down without personal contribution or bank loan”, explain the two restaurateurs on a website created especially for this raffle. To participate, any adult can buy one (or more) ticket(s) at 50 euros. Ticket which is not a raffle ticket as such, but in reality an action, giving the right to participate in a draw. A legislative pirouette found by the couple’s lawyer to prevent the operation from being considered illegal gambling.
Launched in mid-August, the subscription for shares must end on October 31, for a draw scheduled after November 15. So far, some 300 tickets have been purchased. A waitress at the restaurant, open since 2010 near Pau, notably tried her luck, reports Ouest France.
The Lucas aim to collect at least 3,000 subscriptions, in order to reach the sum of 150,000 euros, corresponding to their estimate of the value of the business. Otherwise, the draw will not take place and the participants will be reimbursed, they assure. If it takes place, however, the lucky winner may be accompanied by the current owners during the first months.
