Pubs and restaurants work to retain customers

01/07/2009 12:13:29

Pub and restaurant sales are generally holding up despite the squeeze on consumer spending and competition from supermarkets, a new report has indicated.

The Coffer Peach Business Tracker indicates that like-for-like sales in May 2009 were ahead 0.6 per cent on April, with month-on-month out-of-home sales ahead by 3.7 per cent.

From a hospitality recruitment perspective this news is encouraging, especially with the peak summer holiday period just around the corner.

Peter Martin, founder of the Peach Factory consultancy, said that while other research might suggest that there is contraction in overall eating and drinking out, the figures demonstrate that managed groups are in general "bucking the trend" and "continuing to attract customers through their doors".

He added: "It is hard to say if this is down to increased promotional activity, more sophisticated marketing, better value, consistent quality and service, the reassuring strength of brands or even an increase in consumer confidence about going out."

However, Mr Martin stressed that "the bottom-line" is that established restaurant and pub groups across the UK are working harder and continuing to maintain custom.

Last week, it was reported that restaurant work could be created up and down the country to coincide with the London 2012 Open Weekend celebrations between July 24th and 26th 2009.

Restaurant jobs in the UK

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