Ferry disruptions a growing concern for Newfoundland restaurateurs
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 31, 2009
ST. JOHN’S – Restaurant owners in Newfoundland are fed up with ongoing disruptions in ferry service that are affecting deliveries of menu ingredients and putting a damper on tourism.
“The frequent delays in Marine Atlantic ferry service are leading to lost sales and business uncertainty for our members in Newfoundland,” says Luc Erjavec, Vice President Atlantic Canada for the Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association (CRFA). “How can you plan a menu and serve your customers if you don’t know when or if your next shipment of fresh meat or produce is going to arrive?”
The most recent incident, a fire on the Atlantic Vision, is the latest in a series of non-weather-related problems that have plagued Marine Atlantic and frustrated restaurant operators.
“In addition to delivery delays and product shortages, our members are concerned about the impact on the travel plans of tourists, who make up a significant part of the restaurant business at this time of year,” says Erjavec.
CRFA members have also expressed concern about a lack of communication from Marine Atlantic when disruptions occur, adding to the uncertainty and difficulty in business planning.
Newfoundland’s $700-million foodservice industry is one of the largest employers in the province, with 14,000 direct jobs in communities across the province.
CRFA is one of the largest business associations in Canada with 33,000 members representing restaurants, caterers, pubs and other foodservice operators. Canada’s $60-billion foodservice industry employs more than one million people in communities across the country.
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