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Despite recent challenges, confidence among restaurant owners is high
with 89% saying that they intend to either maintain staffing levels
or even increase them in 2010, with the majority (57%) expecting to
see an increase in their takings. These are the latest results from
Business Link in London's Restaurant Barometer, the largest survey to
date of over 300 London restaurants.
The Barometer shows the real resilience of London's restaurant
sector. Coming out of one of the worst recessions in recent history,
the restaurant sector is holding its own and looking forward with
optimism to prospects for 2010.
Although performance overall stayed at about the same level in
November and December 2009 compared to the previous year, remarkably
30% of restaurant owners actually reported an increase in customer
spend. January came with yet more challenges, traditionally a
difficult month for trading, the increased pressure of snow and poor
weather conditions meant the ability of businesses to adapt was
tested again. Several of the restaurant owners polled said they began
the month of January with a full or nearly full bookings list and
following the bad weather they were left with cancellations.
Ashley de Safrin, Business Adviser for the Hospitality Sector at
Business link in London says, "Despite a slow January, prospects
are looking up for the restaurant sector. 2010 should give rise to
increasing trade through more targeted marketing and innovation by
restaurant owners."
In January over half (54%) of the restaurants polled offered
promotions to boost business, including happy hours and discounted
menus as well as special offers and loyalty schemes.
Consumer confidence appears to support the optimism of restaurateurs.
The barometer asked consumers about their predictions for eating out
in 2010 and an overwhelming 83% expect to eat out the same amount or
more often than they did in 2009.
Ashley goes on to say, "Reviewing marketing plans and the use of
promotions in 2010 will be vital to success within the restaurant
sector. In particular websites are a cost-effective way to reach
customers and increase bookings."
"In the latest survey we specifically asked restaurant owners
about their online presence and an encouraging 72% have a website for
their business. However this does mean that over a quarter of
restaurants have yet to develop a web presence to both promote their
business and take online bookings."
"Success in 2010 will be about innovation and development. For
example, the 2010 World Cup is fast approaching, restaurants will
have the perfect opportunity to be inventive. Creating themed menus
around dishes from participating countries could be one way to make
the most of increasing trade." |
