Restaurant Customers Focused on Cleanliness

Restaurants are among the facilities adapting to new protocols such as social distancing, face masks, occupant limitations, and cleaning and sanitizing procedures to keep customers safe. The European Cleaning Journal reports that a recent study reveals restaurant customers in the Middle East are most concerned about restroom cleanliness.

A survey commissioned by Fine Solutions, the away-from-home division of Fine Hygienic Holding (FHH), a manufacturer of hygienic paper products, looked at restaurant customer loyalty and restroom hygiene among 500 people across different nationalities, affluence levels, and cities. Respondents were asked to consider the overall condition of restrooms including floor cleanliness and the availability of sanitation products. Results found that 50% of respondents were concerned about the state of restrooms when visiting a restaurant, compared to 48% who said they were concerned about cleanliness levels in the kitchen.

Additionally, the survey found:

• 89% of respondents would not revisit a restaurant with poor levels of restroom cleanliness
• 47% said cleanliness of restaurant front-of-house areas like tables, chairs, floors, and billing counters was important
• 62% stated cleanliness and operational condition were the most important hygiene factors in a restaurant restroom.
• 79% preferred paper towels over hand dryers
• 66% favored sterilized paper hand towels over regular paper towels.

“This survey comes at an important time for consumers and brands as we navigate the new normal of everyday life in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Michael Lafferty, CEO of FHH. “Operators and brands are still adjusting to life post lockdown, implementing new protocols and adhering to new directives, and tackling the realities of business and life while re-engaging with their core customers.”