restaurants now deemed too expensive

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Terraces shunned by tourists. This afternoon, in these restaurants in the Grande-Motte (Hérault), customers are not there. This establishment notes a fall in its attendance, almost 25 % less compared to last summer. Eating outside is no longer possible as often as before for vacationers.

“”We go much less to the restaurant. We have boards at home and we eat. Like that, it costs a little cheaper and like that, we can enjoy, come see bars, have a drink, but not necessarily eat“, testifies a vacationer at the table.

But how to explain this disenchantment? By prices, in particular. Another establishment shows us behind the scenes of its kitchen, where the price of the raw material has exploded. “”La Dorade, it is 3-4 euros more, the wolf, 3-4 euros and the turbot, 6-7 euros more. The solution would be to do only frozen. But we are not our policy“Explains Dominique Colombel, chef.

The increase is therefore reflected in customers. The owner compares us last year’s card to that of this year. “”For example, from 46, we went to 49. From 34, we went to 37. We cannot continue like that because people, their purchasing power does not increase like that, 10 % per year and company. At one point, they will no longer be able to“, Says Jacques Mestre, restaurateur and president of the UMIH 34.

This is the case of a family of vacationers who made the choice to stay in his mobile home for dinner. “”There, we are just under 30 euros for 6 people“, Calculates David Sauvage, father. This year, only one outing at the restaurant for all the holidays.”Just the dish, it’s minimum about 15 euros. We multiply by 6. It becomes very expensive. Then, everything increases, so the holiday budget is also a little controlled“He adds.

To save their season, professionals hope that tourists will return to their terrace.