Jump start: Eurozone restaurants seek alternatives to boost business

摘要

European restaurants are continuing to feel the pinch of the economic crisis. This is especially true in the Eurozone, the group of 17 countries that share the euro as their common currency. "The interesting thing is not that it was a 'good' or 'bad'year for the foodservice sector in general, but that there was huge variance across the markets," explains Michael Schaefer, head of consumer foodservice research at Euro-monitor, a global consultancy specializing in consumer markets. "Those outside theEurozone had a good year, in the sense that the sector wasn't exceptional, but it held up well." In contrast, the foodservice sector in the Eurozone — especially in Greece, Ireland and Spain — has been decimated. "The situation has been particularly bad in the independent sector," says Schaefer. "There have been thousands of outlets — pubs and cafes — closing."