By Craig Mckune
The recent closure of several top Cape Town restaurants may mark the start of a bleak winter, say leaders in the industry.
Some blame exorbitant rental and food costs for the crisis, but all agree the trend is a mark of tough economic times.
While the closed doors have left many employees and owners emotional and jobless, others have called for a rethink of how restaurateurs approach their business, saying a more “hands-on” approach is needed,
Award-winning chef Bruce Robertson, former owner of The Showroom, which closed in Green Point last month, said: “You need to become very creative in how you feed the market you’re in – especially fine dining restaurants.”
Robertson said the Showroom – rated among the top 10 restaurants in the Eat Out Awards in 2006 and 2007 – had first “felt the crunch” last winter.
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