“I think the Olympics will be a disaster for operators in central London, unless you are McDonald’s. You have to treat the Olympics very much as you treat snow. Batten down the hatches and wait for it to pass. This will be the case particularly for independent restaurants,” said Michael Gottlieb, the founder of the Smollensky’s and Café Spice Namaste brands, during a panel discussion hosted by foodservice consultancy Horizons on 23 September 2011.
Gottlieb’s comments came after a previous presentation showed December to be normally the peak month with around 75% of the population eating out. In contrast last December was the quietest month of 2010 with 69% of the population venturing out for a meal due to the heavy snow.
Transport for London has advised people to work from home during the Games. Noel Mahoney, chief executive of BaxterStorey, said this would adversely affect not just Business & Industry caterers like BaxterStorey, but also high street operators.
Participants thought that take-away companies would be amongst the winners during the Olympics. “I’d imagine that Domino’s will do exceptionally well. Wealthy people in London – those who can or those with second homes – will go abroad next August. Those who stay behind will stay at home, watch TV and order in,” predicted Gottlieb.
Horizons' breakfast briefing provided insight into the foodservice industry's critical issues and the way in which they will impact business over the coming months.
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