He even expects a new hard blow for the sector, from next January. “We are announcing a new salary indexation of 3.5%. Since 2019, that means almost a 30% increase in salaries, plus inflation and the cost of energy, not counting those who are still carrying debts from the Covid… We can count on an increase in bankruptcies of 30%,” he continues.
“80% of restaurateurs are struggling today”
If he has the impression of repeating himself without being heard, the observation remains alarming. “80% of restaurateurs are struggling today. We’re talking about all these mid-range restaurants that have had to increase their prices, but who don’t do it enough for fear of losing customers. Their rooms are full, but They don’t earn a living. The remaining 20% are fast food restaurants and high-end restaurants who don’t hesitate to increase their prices.”
However, he advises everyone to increase à la carte prices to survive. “It is necessary for the survival of the sector, we have no choice. Not increasing our prices is only postponing bankruptcy until later. Today, there are only those who have several restaurants and who know how to think about a group strategy who get by without earning gold in bars, be careful.
In front of the Manneken-Pis, a restaurant specializes in Brussels gastronomy… and refuses to make fries: “we’re not a tourist trap”
What makes it a little fatalistic is that the news from the federal negotiations, the only level of power where concrete measures can relieve the sector, is not good. “We hoped for a lot given the programs of the parties that will form Arizona, but the recent feedback we have received has put a blow on our heads. We are talking about a lot of actions on purchasing power, but “no major tax reform to do something about the cost of labor We feel trapped in this story. I’m tired of complaining, but the news is not good, it’s factual.” he.
