Changes, opportunities and starting again

 I think that 20-30 percent of restaurants will close for good, and how many of them will return depends on the demand.

Will new restaurant open at the place of those that are forced to close by the pandemic?

This depends on the type of the real property too, but it can happen that these places will be empty for a while.

How will the new, safe seating regulations affect the number of guests?

The number of guests can reduce not only because of the fewer tables, but also because of guests not feeling safe eating out. My estimation is that there will be about 30 percent fewer guests. Home delivery and take-away are at a peak now.

What will happen to these after the end of the pandemic?

They won’t stay at the current level, as hospitality isn’t only about the food but also about the experience.

What do you think about the idea of restaurant vouchers that can be used after the reopening?

Every idea is useful that can contribute to the survival of a business, but projects like this can’t solve the problems of the trade.

Can you imagine a restaurant that is operated in a crowdfunding system?

It isn’t likely that it can work. You can never be sure in this business what is going to happen tomorrow.

Will the best workers stay in Hungary or will they leave the country?

There won’t be another exodus, because right now there is an oversupply in the labour market in foreign countries too.

What will the Guild of Hungarian Restaurateurs (MVI) be like in 3 years’ time?

It can’t be told at the moment what it will be called and what it will be fighting for, but someone will definitely have to represent owner interests then too.

What can the trade put its trust in?

It is impossible to plan for the long term in the hospitality business now. Fine dining restaurants will be in a difficult position – with the exception of the best ones. Hotels will lower the number of workers. Restarting should be done in a very practical fashion: keeping costs as low as possible and reacting to the chances that occur very efficiently. //