Casual dining market 'will grow'

25/04/2008 12:25:31

People will continue to opt for casual dining outlets despite recent economic turmoil, it has been claimed.

A report compiled by OC&C Strategy Consultants found that diners in the UK are set to help increase the value of the casual dining market to £4.7 billion in 2011 from its current level of £3.8 billion, according to Caterer & Hotelkeeper.

Nicholas Farhi, retail practice associate director at OC&C, told the publication: "Chains will constitute all of that growth. They have worked out how to deliver consistency across their estates and tick the 'authenticity' box."

In recent weeks, several casual dining outlets have announced expansion plans, with celebrity chef Jamie Oliver set to roll out his value chain Jamie's Italian across the UK in the coming months and noodle bar Wagamama launching a number of new eateries.

There has been concern in recent months that a slowdown in the economy could make people less willing to spend money on eating out - something that could affect those employed in restaurant work roles -but Mr Farhi argues: "People will still want to eat out they will just want to do it cheaper."

Restaurant jobs across the UK and internationally

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