Transformation of the Ukrainian restaurant business in 2024: trends and challenges

In 2024, the restaurant business in Ukraine continued to adapt to the new economic conditions characteristic of the generator economy. One of the biggest problems for restaurateurs remained the instability of personnel, as well as the need to maintain stable prices and motivate staff. This is reflected in the results of the annual restaurant industry study conducted by Poster.

It is worth noting that although in 2024 Ukrainian catering establishments increased their revenue by 10%, the average check increased by 17% due to price increases, attendance decreased by 3%. The decrease in the number of visitors is due to economic uncertainty, as well as the impact of mobilization. In the first half of the year, the indicators were more positive, but in the second half of the year, attendance fell by 7%.

The dynamics of attendance varied across cities. The worst results were recorded in Dnipro, where attendance decreased by 5%. On the other hand, Kharkiv showed an increase of 2%, Lviv and Odesa - by 1%. In Kyiv and Vinnytsia, a decrease in revenue was observed by 3%.

As for the different types of establishments, almost all of them recorded a decrease in attendance. Pizzerias showed the worst results with a drop in attendance by 8%. Fast food and restaurants also significantly decreased by 7%. At the same time, sushi bars saw an increase of 1%, and coffee shops with the sale of coffee to go showed stability compared to the previous year.

As for financial results, revenue and the average check increased in all segments of the restaurant business due to the increase in prices. Establishments specializing in sushi increased revenue by 16%, and the average check increased by 10%. Coffee shops grew by 14% in revenue and 15% in average check. Restaurants increased their revenue by 8%, and the average check increased by 18%. Pizzerias, bars and fast food had a revenue growth of 4%, with the average check in pizzerias growing by 12%, in bars by 13%, and in fast food by 13%.

Overall, 2024 was a period of economic challenges for the restaurant business in Ukraine, where pricing and the ability to adapt to market changes became important factors determining success.