Casual Dining Group considering introducing deposit scheme for group bookings

The Casual Dining Group - owner of the Bella Italia, Las Iguanas and La Tasca brands - is considering introducing a deposit scheme for large groups in a bid to reduce the impact of no-shows.

The introduction would follow similar moves by other restaurateurs, who have told The Caterer no-shows are "crippling" their businesses.

James Spragg, group chief operating officer at Casual Dining Group, said: "We regularly review the policy and procedures across our portfolio of restaurants and are currently in the midst of assessing the introduction of a small £5 deposit for large group bookings, during peak sittings such as weekends, to help eliminate no-shows.

"This approach is already undertaken on special occasions, such as Mother's Day and Christmas, where table demand is at its highest and many loyal customers struggle to book a table."

Last week Chef Mark Greenaway of the eponymous three-AA-rosette Edinburgh restaurant announced he would be introducing a deposit scheme after recording 450 cancellations or no-shows in just one month.

Greenaway said the decision was one he had "toiled" with, but that the situation was "simply unsustainable".

Damian Wawrzyniak, owner of House of Feasts, Peterborough, has launched a campaign to combat no-shows after revealing they cost his business about £3,000 in just one weekend.

His #StopNoShow campaign has received the support of hundreds of peers, including award-winning American chef-restaurateur Grant Achatz of Alinea, Chicago.

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