Tasty hit by ‘weaker’ Christmas trading period

Restaurant group Tasty has revealed that trading across for the second half of the year up until December 2021 was “disappointing” and “weaker” than previous years as a result of Covid-19 restrictions.

The rising infection rates of the Omicron variant and in particular the reinstatement of working from home advice by the government, reportedly impacted the number of customers eating out and “specifically deterred” the larger Christmas bookings.

However, the company confirmed that its restaurants have so far remained open with only isolated Covid-19 related disruptions to date, and the group is currently trading from 50 restaurants out of a total estate of 54.

The four restaurants that have remained closed due to predicted poor trading conditions in their locality and labour shortages, will aim to be reopened later in the year. However, the group said it will continue to consider the sale of two or three of those restaurants.

The company stated: “Despite the employment shortages, supply chain issues, Covid-19 related restrictions and a weaker Christmas, the company has, nonetheless, adapted well and navigated its way through the difficulties faced.

“2022 will not be without its challenges as the company prepares for the end of government support, in terms of reduced VAT and business rates. However, it is confident in its brands and optimistic about the trading potential of the group, especially with the strong revenue stream provided by takeaway and delivery services.”