Our fellow citizens have long been accustomed to crises and it feels like we live from crisis to crisis, as well as between them. What should the owners of empty cafes, restaurants and clubs do? It’s interesting, but restaurants close during a crisis not because there are few visitors, but because rent, loans and other “behind-the-scenes matters” are taking a toll on their pockets. Any decent restaurateur in Ukraine must have a backup plan in case of a crisis; Plan B is a must!
Let's start with the fact that there are many restaurants in the country and even during a crisis they continue to open for the simple reason that during a crisis people begin to drink and eat more - this is a time-tested fact. People are drawn to a restaurant for the atmosphere, for the feeling of a holiday, for care and a glass, this is how people all over the world work. Therefore, during a crisis, it is profitable to open small drinking establishments - pubs, bars, coffee shops.
People may be ready, but the restaurateurs themselves are beginning to stumble on organizational and material issues. When there was no crisis, as a rule, everyone manages to accumulate loans like fleas because advertising contributes to this: “Only 10% per annum.” But during a crisis, “10% per annum” turns into an unaffordable amount and the business collapses. Hence the conclusion: no loans! Be prepared that the crisis is somewhere nearby, and credit and crisis are incompatible things. What to do? There is only one way out - an investor. Yes, in Ukraine many people are ready to invest money in the restaurant business, despite the crisis.
Of course, large restaurants with a large area suffer the most; during a crisis, they are the first to be hit. But there is also a way out - it is better to have two small restaurants than one, but very large. Rent, a large staff, maintaining the operation of a large restaurant during a crisis becomes impossible and most often the restaurant closes, foresee this moment in advance.
Also at risk are restaurants with original cuisine, which use imported products and products of rare origin in their menu. Let’s assume that for one reason or another it is impossible to purchase food, then it is necessary to provide food substitutes and alternative dishes.
With the right approach, the crisis will become your assistant in the development of the restaurant business. Don’t forget about promotions, drinks as a gift - this works in a crisis and bears fruit!
Development and prosperity to you!