Between inflation, profitability difficulties and even recruiting difficulties, restaurateurs are finding it increasingly difficult to remain affordable and survive, notes the owner of one of these establishments.
“I’m not happy with the prices I have to charge people, it doesn’t make me happy,” admitted Vianney Godbout, owner of Mignonette restaurant, on Monday.
Speaking to QUB Radio, he mentioned that it was so difficult to make a living solely from catering that he had to return to his job as a real estate agent at the same time.
“Compared to four years ago, my profit margin is lower than it was then, despite rising prices,” he explained.
In his opinion, some restaurateurs will always make ends meet because restaurants will always remain a fashion thing.
“Has it become a luxury activity for privileged people?” he wondered.
Further increases are to be expected
The restaurateur admitted that prices in restaurants still have to rise given the increasingly expensive products on offer and rising salaries.
“Large tables are not expensive enough and small tables are too expensive,” argued Mr. Godbout.