Restaurant owner in ‘decency’ call after increase in no-shows
A LEEDS restaurant owner has called on diners to show ‘decency and respect’ and let them know if they are not going to make their reservation.
Bars and restaurants across the city, which have been severely hit by lockdown, are reporting an increase in ‘no-shows’. This is piling extra pressure on venues, some of which are on the brink after months of losing money.
It comes after top chef Tom Kerridge criticised 27 “selfish” and “disgraceful” customers who did not turn up at the Corinthia Hotel in central London without letting the restaurant know.
Dave Olejnik, owner of pasta restaurant Sarto, said: “What we call ‘no shows’, which is people giving us absolutely no notice at all that they won’t be taking their reservation that evening, are always financially damaging for
Said if a table of three did not show, it means 10 per cent of the restaurant is empty.
a hospitality business but right now we’re really asking folks to please let us know if they can’t make it.
“Sarto is currently operating at 30 per cent of the capacity it had pre Covid-19.
“If a table of three doesn’t show up that’s 10 per cent of the restaurant sat empty, but we’ve already committed to staffing and stocking food for that table.
Mr Olejnik, who also owns Laynes Espresso, added: “In short, it’s a big money loser and right now there is no room to lose money as many of us are financially decimated.
“The least we can do is expect a level of decency and respect from the public just as they do from staff when they do attend.”
City centre restaurant La Taberna also said via social media it had experienced problems with no shows.
Joanna Myers, who runs The Swine that Dines, posted: “Seeing a distressing amount of restaurants and bars reporting no shows today.
“A problem that nearly broke us two years ago before we introduced a no-show charge.
“Makes us very reluctant to reopen with what can only be four or five tables.”