Pandemic's impact on restaurants 'here to stay' – sector representative

AMMAN — New restaurant trends and consumer behaviours formed amid the pandemic are “here to stay”, according to Omar Awwad, president of the Jordan Association for Restaurants and Sweet Shops Owners.

“The restaurant industry has been significantly impacted by the pandemic, however some effects were positive,” Awwad told The Jordan Times on Thursday over the phone.

Now there are more restaurants using digital menus and offers, with the aim to innovate their customers’ experiences, according to Awwad. 

“The pandemic has also accelerated the number of ghost kitchens in the kingdom, many of which started appearing three years ago," he added.

Ghost kitchens are delivery-only restaurants that are not associated with a facility, dining area, or service staff.

“The positive thing about a ghost kitchen is the fact that it creates new employment opportunities, but the negative thing about it is that it might not follow restaurant food safety guidelines,” said Awwad. 

Furthermore, Awwad said that in September, restaurant owners saw a “drastic” drop in revenue due to the precarious economic situation and Jordanians’ prioritisation of basic necessities.

Regarding delivery services, Awwad said that they experienced a surge in demand during the lockdown period, which has now decreased, although most consumers nowadays are digitally engaged.