"Despite packed facilities, profits are dwindling"

In the heart of the Urals, a group of restaurateurs known as "The Open Group" ("Открытая группа") are gathering to discuss ways to navigate the ever-changing landscape of the hospitality industry.

One of the key topics on the agenda is the retention of employees. Olga Zolotukhina, a member of the group, is advocating for additional perks for employees and expanding the social package. She believes that this will help keep valuable staff members in a time when life is getting more expensive and rates are expected to rise.

Victor Novikov, another member, echoes Zolotukhina's sentiments, adding that the involvement of business owners in the process is crucial. He also suggests that Yekaterinburg has room for improvement in terms of tourism, and that the government could invest more in developing the region as a tourist center.

The topic of tourism and promotion of Ural cuisine is important to the group, with Novikov expressing his belief that Yekaterinburg is not yet a tourist magnet. He also suggests that participating in city festivals can bring in new guests for restaurants.

Another concern for the group is the issue of unpredictable weather in the Urals. Novikov proposes that food trucks could be a solution, offering outdoor dining options that can be easily moved indoors when the weather turns. However, the group is calling for a clear algorithm for coordinating the procedure for food truck placement with the city administration.

The second major concern for the restaurateurs is the rise in salary rates and staff turnover. Irina Kislitsyna, a member of the group, questions how long they will have to live with rising rates and decreasing profitability. She believes that participating in external projects should be done selectively based on the restaurant's concept.

Despite the challenges, the group remains optimistic. They are calling on the authorities to take more steps towards supporting local businesses, including promoting Ekaterinburg on the country's tourist map. The group is hopeful that by working together, they can create a thriving hospitality industry in the Urals.