Tough times for restaurateurs
I suspect we’ll be seeing more pieces on the tough times for restaurateurs as we proceed through 2024. Restaurants are coping with rising numbers of cancellations and no‑shows as well. Le Devoir says more restaurants are closing.
jeather 12:22 on 2024-01-05 Permalink
I always wondered what the options are other than charging for no-shows. Also why are other people/etc allowed to do that — or do they just do it illegally?
Pet peeve: if someone charges a last minute cancellation fee, I expect a similar courtesy in return if they cancel on me last minute (usually a discount on the rescheduled appointment). When I have the option, I always choose someone who offers this.
Ian 11:30 on 2024-01-06 Permalink
The main option is to either refuse all reservations or have a deposit on all parties of any size.
Kate 12:22 on 2024-01-07 Permalink
I think the problem is that restaurants are not allowed to do that. They want the right to ask for a credit card to be put on hold when a reservation is made, but Quebec law won’t allow it.
Joey 15:27 on 2024-01-07 Permalink
Shouldn’t OpenTable (or the other services that manage reservations) be able to find a loophole – such that the no-show charge is technically a violation of the OpenTable terms and not actually charged and collected by the restaurant?