Between challenge and renewal: the future of restaurants in Belgium

Between challenge and renewal: the future of restaurants in Belgium

11 October 2024

Belgium's restaurant sector faces considerable challenges in 2024. Since the beginning of the year, more than 800 restaurants have closed their doors, illustrating an alarming trend within the industry. These include La Canne en Ville, which was recently forced to close, underlining the increasing pressure on restaurant owners. But this period of transition is not just about closures. The recent opening of the Barracuda restaurant, from the iconic BIG Mamma group, shows that some concepts are succeeding in attracting a clientele hungry for new culinary experiences.

1. Growing economic pressure

Restaurant owners are having to juggle rising operating costs, particularly energy costs, with inflation. Luc Marchal, President of the HoReCa Wallonie federation, said that a 30-35% price increase would have been necessary to offset these increases, but few establishments have dared to take the plunge for fear of losing their clientele.

2. Staff shortages

The restaurant industry is suffering from a shortage of qualified staff. Many restaurants are having difficulty recruiting, which complicates the management of operations and affects the quality of service. Working conditions and pay are also a cause for concern, leading some professionals to leave the sector.

 

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Une publication partagée par La Canne en Ville ⭐️ (@la_canne_en_ville)

3. Changing consumer habits

Belgians have changed their eating habits, favouring takeaway meals and deliveries. Although this phenomenon was accentuated by the pandemic, it is now firmly rooted in consumer practices, prompting restaurants to adapt by diversifying their offerings.

4. Looking for culinary experiences

Despite the difficulties, part of the market continues to evolve towards more immersive and unique culinary experiences. The opening of Barracuda by the emblematic Big Mamma group is a striking example. This type of restaurant offers an innovative concept that has immediately won over a wide range of customers. This type of establishment, which focuses on the overall experience and the quality of the dishes, demonstrates that innovation remains a key driver in the sector.

 

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Une publication partagée par BIG MAMMA IN BELGIUM – Barracuda (@bigmamma.be)

5. Sustainability and responsible consumption

Growing awareness of environmental issues is also having an impact on the sector. Consumers increasingly favour restaurants that adopt sustainable practices, such as using local and organic produce. This trend is prompting establishments to rethink their sourcing and ecological impact.