Restaurant business in St. Petersburg during the coronavirus pandemic: results of the first wave and prospects of development

The study presents an analysis of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the restaurant business in St. Petersburg from March to mid-December 2020. There is a change in consumer behavior patterns. Thus, the «Contactless» model is caused by the fear of human contacts through which the coronavirus is transmitted. The «Home-oriented» model is associated with the transition to remote work. The «Safety» model is characterized by changes in the hygiene habits of restaurant visitors. The study presents three scenarios for the development of the situation in the restaurant business at the end of 2020 and the beginning of 2021. The first scenario provides for the preservation of restrictions on the entry of foreign and domestic tourists, restrictions on holding mass events, the operation of cafes and restaurants. The second scenario provides for the gradual removal of restrictions on the entry of foreign tourists and an increase in the flow of domestic tourists. The third scenario considers the development of the COVID-19 pandemic in a wave-like manner, in connection with which restrictions on the operation of restaurants will alternate with their weakening. For each scenario, recommendations for conducting business activities in the restaurant industry are presented, as well as possible measures, the implementation of which at the level of the Government of St. Petersburg and the catering industry can reduce the negative effect of the coronavirus pandemic on the restaurant business.