Restaurant closures and rising costs: Inside the crisis facing hospitality

It’s tough out there for New Zealand’s hospitality industry. The rising cost of living in the past few years has seen everyone tightening their belts, and the skyrocketing cost of food in particular has been cutting into people’s disposable income. With overheads increasing at the same time as patrons cutting back on their spending, it’s no wonder we’ve seen a series of beloved bars and restaurants closing their doors for good. So what’s next for the industry, and how can these businesses adapt to changing times? Today on The Front Page, we’re joined by Herald deputy Lifestyle editor Johanna Thornton, and AUT Hospitality and Tourism professor David Williamson, to talk about the state of the sector, and where it needs to go from here. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer: Paddy FoxProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.