A Northallerton restaurant owner has put his business up for sale in despair at the number of people eating out.

Carlos Leite, owner of the Romanby Court off the High Street, says the town has had a bad year for diners.

He says other restaurateurs feel the same and blames too many food outlets chasing too little trade.

"I have had enough," he said. "I just can't see where I am going wrong."

Mr Leite's decision to sell Romanby Court comes amid a flurry of activity in the trade.

In recent months, the town has seen the closure of Fultoni's and an Indian restaurant. But new outlets have opened, such as The Caf and new owners for the Fultoni premises.

Mr Leite has been at Romanby Court for 14 years, first as a waiter, then in partnership and for last three years as owner.

"This was always regarded as a high-class place," he said. "It was very popular. As more competition emerged we adapted to meet the challenge. But prices have been going down, not up."

He said that ten years ago two people would spend £50/60 on an evening meal. Now that figure would be more like £30.

"This year has been particularly bad, although things are looking good for Christmas," he said.

"But I have no idea why the year should have been so bad. Am I doing anything wrong?

"An Indian restaurant did not last long and neither did Fultoni's."

Starting next week, Mr Leite is offering a three-course evening meal and a glass of wine for £12.50.

"I know what I am doing with food and it is hard to understand why there is such a problem," he said. "Bills are still to pay even if business is not good. Others have said the same, that Northallerton has had a bad year. I think there are too many outlets offering food for the number of residents and visitors.

Mr Leite does not own the building, just the business, and it is for sale as a going concern.

"Someone could come in and be really successful," he said.

If he sells the business, he intends to get a job in the trade.

"This is a lovely place and I like it, but I can't go on. I am not sleeping for worry."

Mr Leite says planners should not allow so many food outlets in such a small place. "There just isn't the business to go round," he said. "We used to be really busy, with up to 90 people on a Saturday night. It is nothing like that now."

James Butterfield, who runs The Caf, said the restaurant business was not an easy way to make a living. But he felt there was a niche in Northallerton for his type of eaterie.

"I think we are a breath of fresh air in terms of the style of service and food we offer," he said.

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