Quebec restaurateurs say the 'no-show' phenomenon is getting worse
Restaurateurs in Quebec are getting stood up more often.
Customers who don't honour their reservations cause restaurants to miss out on nearly $50,000 in revenue per establishment on average, according to an estimate by the Quebec Restaurant Association (ARQ).
Nearly 65.6 per cent of restaurateurs say the 'no-show' phenomenon is on the rise, according to a survey of ARQ members.
Nearly 44.5 per cent say they experience "occasional" no-shows, and 32.9 per cent say they experience them "frequently."
Of the respondents, 43.4 per cent consider the phenomenon a "major concern," while 15.2 per cent call it a "serious threat to the viability of their restaurant."
Seventeen per cent describe the behaviour as a "minor nuisance," and 24.4 per cent describe it as an "inconsequential disrespect."
With the data collected, the ARQ estimates these empty reserved seats represent a weekly opportunity cost of $943 per establishment or more than $49,000 per year.
The ARQ is lobbying for a law to allow restaurants to impose a penalty for unfulfilled reservations.
-This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on March 27, 2023.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Robert Pickton to remain in medically induced coma until later this week: police
Serial killer Robert Pickton will remain in a medically induced coma for at least the next few days following an attack in a Quebec prison Sunday, according to police spokesperson Hugues Beaulieu.
Charlie Colin, founding member of the pop-rock band Train, dies at 58
Charlie Colin, bassist and founding member of the American pop-rock band Train, best known for their early-aughts hits like 'Drops of Jupiter' and 'Meet Virginia,' has died. He was 58.
'Five feet nothing': Pickton's safety likely behind Quebec transfer, says ex-prison judge
When serial killer Robert Pickton was transferred from British Columbia's Kent Institution to a maximum security prison in Quebec about six years ago, correctional authorities gave no public explanation or confirmation at the time, citing privacy.
'I feel betrayed': Ottawa-area customers out thousands of dollars warn of bad faith contractor
A group of people from eastern Ontario and western Quebec is issuing a warning about Dennis Walker and his company Vue Windows.
Fancy pigeon outfitted in custom diaper has free rein in B.C. family home
When Chrissy Chin volunteered to take in a fancy pigeon abandoned on a park bench, she never imagined she would one day be ordering custom-made diapers for the bird – who lives in her house and has become a member of the family.
'We'll need all hands on deck': Details emerge after deadly boat crash near Kingston
Police say they have wrapped up their on-scene investigation into a deadly boat crash in eastern Ontario as details of the incident begin to emerge.
WestJet planning new fare category for travellers willing to forgo carry-on bag
WestJet Airlines plans to launch a new cheaper fare category that would be available to travellers willing to fly without a carry-on bag.
5 dead and at least 35 hurt in Iowa tornado: officials
Five people died and at least 35 were hurt as powerful tornadoes ripped through Iowa Tuesday, with one carving a path of destruction through the town of Greenfield, officials said.
Woman found dead in Lake Ontario in 2017 matches identity of missing person in Switzerland
Genetic genealogy has helped Toronto police identify a woman who was found dead in Lake Ontario in 2017.