2023 was a record year in many ways in the restaurant industry. Raw material costs rose by a maximum of 30 percent at the same time as rents, employer contributions and taxes increased significantly – something that put pressure on the restaurant owners from several sides. For 816 owners, it was finally the last straw and bankruptcy was a fact.
– I think that the number of bankruptcies will increase from already quite elevated levels. When sales now also start to fall, the margin disappears. I think we will see more bankruptcies going forward this year and also next year, says Thomas Jakobsson, chief economist at the industry organization Visita.
No lighting right now
In Visita’s latest survey, 1 in 3 state that they will spend less money on restaurant visits this year. At the same time, almost half of the respondents state that they already spend less money on restaurant visits than before. Figures that are now worrying the industry.
– It is very tough. It has been tough for a year and a half and unfortunately it will continue to get tougher in the future, says Thomas Jakobsson.
Do you see any light in this?
– Not right now. In the long term, we will return to growth. But we have a tough period ahead of us. We have had a long period of cost increases. It doesn’t increase as much anymore, but you have a profitability that has been under severe pressure. Now we’re seeing sales drop as well, so that puts even more pressure on margins and unfortunately, I think it’s going to be quite a while before we break even again.
“More food boxes”
When TV4 Nyheterna talks to people in town, many are optimistic about the crisis in the restaurant industry and are happy to treat themselves to a visit. But many also think about the economy in times of increased costs in society.
– Everything has become more expensive, so in line with that, you prepare more food boxes at home instead, says Felix Hansen.
– It costs quite a bit when you go out and have dinner above all. It must not be too often then, thinks Jonas Ringdahl.
– Sometimes it’s not worth it, I think. But sometimes it is anyway. Then I treat myself to a restaurant visit, says Eva Jonasson.