Klopotenko noted that blackouts interfere with the normal operation of catering establishments, but still this is only one of the factors.
“I will say an unpopular opinion, but Kyiv institutions are not closing because of blackouts,” he said. “The real reasons are always complex: migration, falling incomes, fatigue of society, unprofitable management models and the lack of a financial cushion. This is a process that did not begin yesterday and not with the first shutdowns. […] The blackouts only accelerated what was already going to happen.”
According to the restaurateur's observations, in January the flow of guests decreased significantly.
“Restaurants and coffee shops are far from a basic need. When people have questions about safety, light, heat, money, they naturally put off going to establishments. And this is normal. This, unfortunately, is the reality in which we all live,” wrote Klopotenko. “I suspect that the coming months will be difficult.”
He added: “Institutions are one of the markers of life in the city. As long as restaurants and coffee shops are open, Kyiv is alive. And our task now is not to give up. Even when it’s hard.”
Context
Klopotenko has several restaurants popular among visitors in Kyiv. However, the work of any establishments in the capital was complicated due to the constant shelling of the aggressor country, Russia. The last of them was on the night of February 7, when the Russian Federation fired 39 missiles and 408 drones into Ukraine. One of the fires was recorded in Roshen confectionery warehouses.
