The reopening of the F&B sector was epitomised by scenes of overcrowded pub and bars. Not unsurprisingly, however, the picture was a little different for restaurants. Far fewer reported a bumper re-opening, with customers having mixed experiences due mainly to the need to be compliant with Covid-19 related regulations.
Read MoreTed Schama, Managing Director of Shelley Sandzer
I have mentioned before that we are very much in the eye of the storm and the biggest challenges still ahead of us are the opening and sustainability phases of the recovery.
Yet as operators plan their re-openings, there seems to be a raft of regional, national and international contradictions…
Read MoreEven before Covid-19 affected us all, rent and rates liabilities were dangerously high for F&B operators and there had already been some casualties. The Living Wage and Minimum Wage were adding further pressure too, so when coronavirus hit like a metaphorical stop button, the impact of these issues accelerated exponentially, creating a perfect storm of pain felt by everyone in the industry.
Ted Schama, Managing Partner at Shelley Sandzer, explores the innovative way the hospitality sector is responding to the coronavirus.
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