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The Closure of Restaurants in Spain: A Detailed Analysis
Growth and Challenges of the Restaurant Industry in Spain
The restaurant industry in Spain has experienced significant growth in recent decades but has also faced a high closure rate. This phenomenon has caused concern among both professionals in the sector and consumers. Below, we analyze the main causes of these closures, supported by concrete data, and propose strategies to prevent them.
The Problem in Numbers
- Approximately 17% of restaurants closed in 2023, representing thousands of bars and restaurants that ceased operations.
- Regions most affected: Castilla y León and the Community of Madrid experienced losses exceeding 24% and 26%, respectively, since 2021.
- Long-term trend: While the pandemic accelerated the process, the decline in the number of bars has persisted since 2010, according to the National Institute of Statistics.
Main Causes of Closures
- Lack of Financial Planning: Many restaurateurs underestimate initial and operational costs, leading to poor financial management. Additionally, the absence of a reserve fund for unforeseen events can be fatal.
- Excessive Competition: In some areas, market saturation makes it difficult to stand out and attract customers. New business models like delivery platforms and large chains have intensified the struggle for clientele.
- Changing Consumer Habits: Economic crises reduce spending on dining out. Meanwhile, trends like the demand for healthy and sustainable options force restaurants to adapt or fall behind.
- Failure to Adapt to Digitalization: A weak online presence, lack of social media profiles, and inadequate tools for managing online reservations and orders limit visibility and harm customer experience.
- Labor Issues: Difficulty finding qualified staff impacts service quality and reputation. Additionally, high labor costs present a significant burden for small establishments.
How to Prevent Closures
- Rigorously plan finances: Develop a detailed business plan and create realistic financial projections.
- Stand out: Offer a unique value proposition to differentiate from competitors.
- Adapt to trends: Stay informed about market trends and adjust your product and service offerings accordingly.
- Invest in technology: Use digital tools to manage the business, improve efficiency, and enhance the customer experience.
- Train staff: Invest in employee training to ensure high-quality service.
- Build customer loyalty: Implement loyalty programs and offer exclusive promotions.
Conclusion
The closure of restaurants in Spain is a complex problem with multiple causes. To ensure the sustainability of the sector, entrepreneurs must adopt a strategic approach and adapt to an increasingly competitive and demanding environment.
At Visper, we’ve found that strengthening businesses through an online presence and proper management of data and internal costs is key. Our users who leverage marketing tools and essential functionalities have seen sales increase by an average of 18% annually. We strongly recommend using tools like table-side self-ordering, in-house delivery (e-commerce), and inventory systems for proper cost management.
Are you interested in boosting your sales with our tools? Contact us to try them for free.