Hospitality Study Report

Abstract

During July 2020 Australian hospitality businesses were surveyed in order to determine their experiences of Coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions. Data were obtained about changes made by businesses in their efforts to combat unexpected challenges created by the global pandemic. Respondents represented a range of hospitality businesses including restaurants, cafes, bars, caterers and microbreweries from all Australian states and territories except the Northern Territory. The survey captured demographic data about these businesses, and also data around the changes made to strategic decisions, business plans and operations, and the initial impact on expenses and sales. It also assessed and captured data on the future expectations of the firm and its survival. It also captured data relating to predicted future viability of businesses in a five-year timeframe. Analysis of data reveals a dramatic shift in food provision towards online delivery platforms, in-house delivery and socially distanced takeaway options. Despite this shift in focus – an overwhelming 90% of businesses experienced reduction in sales and customer numbers. There was a dramatic increase in customers picking up takeaway orders directly from hospitality venues during the initial COVID-19 restrictions, with 25.7% of respondents indicating that they relied on customer pickup for all of their sales, while prior to COVID-19 restrictions, such pick-ups accounted for only a very small fraction (1.1%) of their total sales. Hospitality businesses moved quickly to make strategic changes, with 83% creating new product or service offerings in an effort to combat the reduction in sales and customer numbers. Data revealed significant lay-offs and job losses and reductions or freezes on pay rates. The majority (77%) of businesses surveyed decreased working days and instigated temporary employee lay-offs (68.9%) while 42.2% of businesses dismissed staff permanently. More than half (55.4%) of management staff took a pay cut and many businesses (40.8%) also implemented a freeze in pay rates. Such was the financial stress at this time, more than half of businesses renegotiated payment conditions with the building owner for a rent reduction (69.4%) and rent payment delays (65.5%) and 47.9% renegotiated payment terms with their bank. Despite the significant upheaval facing these businesses, many expressed optimism about their future survival and projected revenue, with 55% believing that they are very likely (90%) to be operating five years from now.