Os impactos da pandemia por Covid-19 no segmento de alimentação fora lar: o caso do restaurante Dom Valentino em Currais Novos-RN

Abstract

The out-of-home food segment has had an important role in generating employment and income. Before the health crisis, it had been showing significant growth. However, the pandemic context has interrupted the ongoing growth and generated many difficulties for the establishments. Therefore, this article aims to analyze the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on the out-of-home food segment, bringing the Dom Valentino restaurant in Currais Novos to the center of analysis. Therefore, the methodological procedure used was based on bibliographical research and case study. By analyzing the bibliographic material and information collected from the restaurant manager, it was evident that, given the social distancing measures imposed to combat the pandemic, this restaurant was severely impacted, with a reduction in sales and revenue and, therefore, in other indicators of the company. Seeking to remain open, the restaurant had to cancel new investments, close other activities, change the product offered and simplify services. Online sales and delivery were intensified due to the impossibility of consumption inside the restaurant. With the lack of working capital, spending cuts were necessary and, even with the adhesion to the business aid program by the Federal Government, it was not enough to keep all employees. Thus, staff also had to be reduced, a fact that further increased the number of unemployed people in the city. Studying the case of Dom Valentino makes us reflect on the seriousness of the impacts of the pandemic on the sector, and the challenges that companies will still face to keep them functioning.