Mimizan-plage, a small seaside resort on the Landes coast, has hosted the restaurant Le Barracuda, on the south beach, since 1976; it is open year-round. At the time, many restaurants bore fish names, given the proximity of the Atlantic.

Its owner has worked there since 1985. He took over the business in 2002 and has kept it going ever since, 7 days a week, 15 hours a day, with about three weeks of closure per year.

But that was before Monday, May 22, 2017, because the crisis passed through. Not a small crisis, a huge one—the 2008 crisis—that hit so many French households that eating out during holidays became a luxury. Years followed without real improvement. Then the wave of attacks further strained budgets, compounded by a municipal policy that pours concrete everywhere and is slowly killing the town and its inhabitants: no more doctors on the beach, no optician, no jeweller… and no more housing for locals. Concrete, concrete, concrete for tourist residences open two months a year. Developers are rubbing their hands. The latest blow from elected officials was the closure of the motorhome parking area, a long-standing, loyal clientele of the Barracuda. The mayor and prefect were warned about what was looming for shopkeepers, but no matter—Saint Concrete, pray for us!

Today the axe has fallen: the Barracuda had to close because of a rent debt that became too large: 38 000 euros. Yes, for many of us—even the majority—that is a large sum. Yet if every citizen of Mimizan gave a minimum of 5 euros, the debt would be cleared. Yes, FIVE euros to save a business that provides employment and social ties and that has existed for over 40 years. You then think that solidarity is worth it (but isn’t it always?) and that the power is in our hands, certainly not in those of elected officials.

The Barracuda is one of the few businesses open year-round. It has never treated tourists like cash cows and therefore never raised its prices when the high season arrived. Its plates have remained generous, like its owner.

In figures, the Barracuda employs 2 year-round staff and 6 at full season, with extras, locals happy to find work because, to say the least, such work is not abundant (projects creating sustainable jobs are quickly killed in the egg). It is also a business that trains apprentices.

Throughout the year, the owner, the waitresses and the waiter welcome you with a smile in a friendly atmosphere. Authentic, human—that’s becoming rare. And let’s not forget Bellara (a 6-year-old female boxer named after the famous Basque wave), Bella to those close to her, who is delighted to see you arrive.

A word about the owner: a Mimizan native, a father who never asked anything of anyone and who works like crazy. A grandfather as of late (a doting grandpa, yes, but shh, don’t tell him ;-)), he has a big heart, has roamed around many places before settling at the Barracuda, one of the oldest establishments on the south beach, an integral part of the town’s history (ask the military!).

There you have it, the reason for this call for generosity. Please share the information, contribute whatever amount you can, and show your support.

To reduce commission fees, you can also send your aid directly to this address:

Opération Barracuda – 7, rue des Motteux – 40200 Mimizan-plage

The check should be made payable to: restaurant le Barracuda.

The organisers (customers), the owner and the whole team, including Bella, thank you for your generosity and solidarity.

Whatever the amount of your contribution, by making a donation you become an important and effective link in the long chain of solidarity. Because every donation counts, because your gesture will make a difference, participate now! Anyone can give the amount they wish. Please note that all payments are 100% secure.

If you cannot participate financially, share this fundraiser as widely as possible. Because sharing is also helping, you can support the campaign by recommending this donation page to people around you via social networks.

THANK YOU