Adapted: Sandstone Cafe’s Simon Parrott.
JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
LCOAL diners are eating out more but spending less, a survey has found.
The results reflected the experience of food service supplier Comcater, which said Geelong was now its fastest growing region after Melbourne.
Regional sales manager Tony Bizzari said the company had experienced growth of 22 per cent in the region as new and established venues adapted to changing demand.
Geelong Business Network’s Digby Hughes, who conducted the survey, said successful restaurants had recognised the value-for-money trend.
“The key to the success was a readiness to innovate while maintaining a balance between quality and price,” he said.
“Businesses in tune with what customers want and delivering quality, customer service and value for money are doing remarkably well despite the impacts of the economic downturn.
“Twenty-one per cent had increased the number of equivalent full-time staff significantly (since the global financial crisis), 21 per cent moderately and only 17 per cent were employing fewer.”
Sandstone Cafe’s Simon Parrott said customers were spending more cautiously.
“People are still going out but they’re looking to save money,” said Mr Parrott, formerly a chef at one of Geelong’s most-exclusive restaurants.
“Eating out has become more an everyday spend instead of a special occasion. Between time constraints and rising grocery prices, heading out for a bite at a reasonable price is attractive to families.”
