La fromagerie des halles moves to a new address, in Béziers

La Boîte à fromages nouvelle version a ouvert ce jeudi 22 février – Frédéric Faux

Sophie Sandonato est la première commerçante des halles à avoir trouvé un nouveau local de vente.

The page was not easy to turn. It has been sixty years, three generations, that Sophie Sandonato's family has been trading at the market halls of Béziers, under the name of La Boîte à fromages. But when the closure for work was announced, the uncertainty was too great, and a decision had to be made. "As soon as we were informed, I looked for another place, and I found here, at 22 rue Léopold Dauphine, a stone's throw away halls. It’s a real chance", she congratulates herself.

The poultry and cheese maker Geoffroy Poulaillon would have found premises at the arenas, and would reopen in April. The number of former traders who will return to the new version of the Biltoki halls is still uncertain. But Sophie knows that she won't be part of it: "I had to throw away my old windows designed for the market halls, and order these news, in Italy. The entire store has been redone. The investment is too big, I will stay there."

 And she sees many advantages: "Physically, I am closer to the customers; I am less exposed to heat and cold; I choose my own hours." She also found her old clients, like Fred: "You like it?" , she asks. "It’s perfect, replies this Allées resident. I am happy to find my cheese maker, but I am also curious to see what will become of these new Halles, and especially what traders we will find there."

Sophie Sandonato approves, but does not regret her choice. This Thursday, February 22 is the first day of opening of its new store, and customers are already flocking to the door. From the market halls, she will ultimately only regret one thing: morning coffee, with the other traders.