Two popular Galway restaurants said that they had a total of 15 cancellations over the weekend, forcing owners to take action.
With many restaurants and cafes having reopened their doors to the public in recent weeks, staff and owners are busy adjusting to a new way of doing things. Faced with constant uncertainty and increasing financial strain, many have also had to deal with the added pressure of no show bookings and cancellations – including Cava and Tartare in Galway who noted 15 no shows this weekend.
Run by local restaurateur JP McMahon, according to him, a total of 15 people their bookings at his restaurants very late on Saturday. Already open at a reduced capacity, the cancellations do nothing to lessen the challenges of running a business during a global pandemic.
Forcing him to take action, McMahon took to Twitter to say:
“From this weekend, a credit card will be required to book any table @cavagalway and @tartaregalway. Failure to cancel will result in a charge. This comes after a total of 15 people cancelled very late on Saturday. With 40% less seats and few walk in, we cannot absorb this.”
From this weekend, a credit card will be required to book any table @cavagalway and @tartaregalway. Failure to cancel will result in a charge. This comes after a total of 15 people cancelled very late on Saturday. With 40% less seats and few walk in, we cannot absorb this. ❤️
— Dr. Jp McMahon (@mistereatgalway) July 19, 2020
Not the only ones to experience no show bookings either and several other restaurants across Ireland have been dealing with the same problem since reopening – including local Dublin favourite The Bank Bar. Perched right on College Green, staff have said that no shows and last minute cancellations are “breaking them”.
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