The Gault&Millau Restaurant Barometer, a project carried out in partnership with Mastercard, aims to provide answers to key questions regarding the evolution and state of the sector, main challenges, expectations from customers, changes in business models, financial performance of restaurants, and short-term forecasts.
The second edition, conducted in early December, measured the confidence index of restaurants selected by the guide. This index dropped to 34 / 100 points compared to 37 / 100 in the previous edition (August 2020), highlighting the increasing difficulties faced by restaurants in the Gault&Millau community, which also reflects the state of the industry as a whole.
36% of restaurants declare themselves confident in the evolution and stability of their business over the next 3 months, compared to 46% in August, while 33% cannot anticipate the evolution of the next 3 months.
The number of permanently or temporarily closed restaurants increased to nearly 30%, up from under 20% of the Gault&Millau community in the previous edition of the Barometer. There is also a significant category of temporarily closed restaurants, approximately 15%, which do not have a set reopening date. The evolution of the next 3-6 months will be defining for these restaurants, as well as for the others.
We estimate that for the year 2020, over 90% of restaurants will record decreases of at least 25% in turnover compared to the figure recorded in 2019, while the average stands at around minus 63% compared to 2019.
In this context, about 77% of restaurants anticipate an improvement in 2021 compared to 2020, and nearly 30% intend to adopt a completely different business model.
Adaptability is already visible; over 95% of restaurants have already undertaken or will undertake minor or significant business changes in the next 3 months. 77% of restaurants said they would add delivery services, while 56% will intentionally scale back their activity, and 54% have modified or will modify their menus.
84% of respondents stated that the main challenge in the next 3 months will be reduced customer traffic.
In 2020, restaurants also felt the lack of international tourists, which was only partially covered by local tourists. The latter exhibit certain consumption particularities—including a reduced willingness to try entirely new dishes compared to those they usually prefer, as well as a greater importance placed on absolute price without evaluating the quality-price ratio.
From the perspective of customer behavior, restaurateurs anticipate a continued increase in delivery/pickup orders (74%), but also a decrease in the average check (60%).
The conclusions of the Barometer are based on approximately 100 questionnaires and interviews conducted with representatives of restaurants from the Gault&Millau community in over 10 cities in Romania, quantitative and qualitative market analyses, as well as the know-how developed in recent years. The Barometer will be updated quarterly, aiming with each edition to capture the most relevant aspects of the sector’s evolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main challenge for restaurants in the coming period?The biggest challenge, mentioned by 84% of respondents, is reduced customer traffic, followed by the lack of international tourists.
How has customer behavior changed according to the barometer?Customers increasingly prefer delivery and pickup (74%), but the average check has decreased for 60% of restaurants.
What adaptation measures have Romanian restaurants adopted?Over 95% have made changes, the most common being the introduction of delivery services (77%) and menu modifications (54%).