‘PRESSURE HIGH, REVENUE LOW’

Popular restaurants have seen high demand amid the pandemic, however, there is less inventory to sell, said Nicolas Budzynski, global operations director of French restaurant LPM. “October to January were great months as many ultra-luxury travellers coming to the UAE. Even after December 2020, people in Dubai stayed back,” he explained.

Budzynski also said unlike other restaurants, LPM did not sack staff amid the restrictions last year. “When the emirate reopened, business bounced back, and operators realised that the cost of termination and rehire is very high. We are one of the o few high-end restaurants in Dubai that did not terminate our staff,” he added.

“Also, we respect the restrictions set by the government. What we request our patrols is to come on time and let us know when you don’t come. We ask them to respect the rules as the economic pressure is very high and we have jobs we need to secure,” said Budzynski.

Naim Maadad, chief executive of Gates Hospitality, said: “As the flight restrictions are still stringent and this makes it challenging for people to travel out with ease, this has made a positive impact on the food and beverage business. How the Q2 and Q3 business pans out will depend on how international travel restrictions ease out. Fingers crossed – all have sustained well till now and hopeful for the future too as the vaccination drive surges ahead.”

Rebecca Da Silva, food and beverages director at il Passaggio, added: “I also think it is our responsibility as hospitality professionals to help educate customers on how “no shows” affect business. I honestly believe customers just don’t know the effect it has on businesses and if they did, they would think twice about not showing for a reservation.”