PUBS & CLUBS WIN AS THE COST-OF-LIVING PINCH SETS IN
There’s been nearly a 30 percent (28%) decline in premium and fine dining venues since January 2022, according to data by ResDiary*.
Diners are now choosing mid-range venues such as pubs, clubs and cafes during these tough economic times, now accounting for nearly half (48%) of all bookings in Australia, up nearly 10 percent from a 37% share of bookings in January 2022.
In an effort to understand the macro impact of inflation, interest rate increases and the general rising cost of living on the hospitality industry, ResDiary has mined the data on bookings since the beginning of 2022.
Stefan Overzier, APAC Head of Customer Service and Support, said the insights showed that people are still enjoying eating out, but are choosing casual over premium options.
“The data shows Australians still have the desire to head out and enjoy a good quality meal, however we can see people choosing mid-range options, and are experiencing ‘bookers remorse’ for higher end venues as they cancel plans a higher percentage of the time. But it’s not all doom and gloom, your local pubs, clubs and cafes are the big winners with an increase in bookings overall.”
Publican at Dove & Olive said the quality of food is now more important than ever as people are seeking to make the most of their dollar.
“This year’s trade is stronger than last year; we sell good quality pub food at reasonable prices. Being a mid-range venue gives us an advantage over some other hospitality venues as customers are seeking lower price meals”.
Here are ResDiary’s top insights into the impact the current economic climate is having on the industry.
- Mid-range venues win in the cost-of-living war
Mid-range venues such as pubs, clubs and cafes are busier than ever even during these tough economic times now accounting for nearly half (48%) of all bookings in Australia, up nearly 10 percent from a 37% share of bookings in January 2022.
- “Bookers remorse” rise in cancellations for fine-dining venues
The findings reveal that while venues at the top end of town have suffered a rise in cancellations, the more casual style dining venues with a medium price point have not.
Fine-dining venues saw an 88% increase in cancellations between May (the start of interest rate rises) and October 2022 (just prior to the Christmas season) compared to dining venues with a price point of $61-80 which have a significantly lower increase in cancellations of 13%. Venues with a lower price point; casual dining, pubs & clubs and cafés had a decrease in cancellations from May to October 2022.
Additionally, venues with the lowest price point of under $20 have become less necessary with diners cancelling nearly four times more during May and October 2022.
- Interest rates go up, booking numbers go down
Booking data has shown that there was decline in the number of bookings after a continuous streak on raised interest rates.
Since May, the RBA has increased the cash rate from a low of 0.1% to 3.6% (that’s the highest since 2012) to combat inflation. A month after the first interest rate rise in June, ResDiary’s data revealed there was a 9% decrease in the number of bookings across most venue types.
With inflation reaching an all-time high of 7.8% in 2022, it is unsurprising to see a decrease in bookings from February 2022 to February 2023 across most venues.
The only venue category not affected by interest rates: pubs, clubs and cafes. With their booking numbers remaining steady throughout the second half of 2022 and into 2023 despite the economic crisis. Diners are still heading out but preferring those venues with a lower price point of $21-$40.
- Gone are the days of spur of the moment bookings
A key stand-out trend over the last year has been an increase in booking lead times with Australians booking an extra 2.2 days in advance in February 2023 compared to February 2022. Diners are planning ahead of time and choosing to dine out more for those special occasions rather than a last-minute booking.
For guidance on inflation from ResDiary, visit their website here >>> 2023 Inflation Guide for Hospitality | Industry Inflation Statistics (resdiary.com)
*Premium venues are defined as having a price point of over $81
$61-$80 are known as sophisticated dining
$41-60 are distinguished as casual restaurants
$21-$40 categorised as pubs, clubs and cafes
$20 or below are low end, takeaway and on-the-go
