TV shows have 'positive impact' on hospitality industry

Caterers are currently debating whether TV shows such as Hell's Kitchen are good for the industry's health, it has been reported.

Hell's Kitchen, which stars Marco Pierre White, is being watched by around four million viewers a night while Raymond Blanc's The Restaurant is seen by around two million each time it airs.

The effect of this exposure on the catering industry as a whole is being questioned, with many observers saying it could reduce the number of potential recruits into the trade.

Meanwhile, the popularity of shows such as Kitchen Criminals and Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares could potentially curtail demand for eating out as well as catering services at weddings and corporate events as a result of their focus on substandard hygiene and levels of service.

However, Jamal Hirani, chief executive at Tiffinbites, believes the shows will have the opposite effect.

"As a restaurateur I think it's fantastic as it enables us to recruit good people into the industry. It's seen as hard work but with a bit of glamour," he told Caterer Search.

"Consumers who get enthusiastic about hospitality programmes are more likely to eat out more. They see diners enjoying themselves on TV and want to have more of that experience."

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