Japanese restaurant group Skylark to end 24-hour trading
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Japanese corporate restaurateur Skylark Holdings says it will discontinue 24-hour trading of 150 stores by April.
Skylark, one of Japan’s largest family-owned restaurant operators, owns the Jonathan’s and Gusto chains, among other brands. It launched 24-hour trading in 1972 and according to the company about 10 percent of its daily revenue comes in between midnight and 6am.
The company says while round-the-clock trading appeals to customers, the increasing costs of labour makes it less viable to trade all night. Instead, it will focus on peak meal times.
In total, Skylark owns 560 eateries across the country. Many of the other stores will have trading hours trimmed by a couple of hours a day to reduce labour costs.
Questions & Answers
Q.Which of Skylark's restaurant chains will be affected by this change?
Which of Skylark's restaurant chains will be affected by this change?
The changes will impact stores within the Jonathan's and Gusto chains. Skylark owns these brands, alongside others, and will end 24-hour trading at 150 of its locations across Japan by April.
Q.Why is Skylark ending 24-hour trading at some of its restaurants?
Why is Skylark ending 24-hour trading at some of its restaurants?
The company states that while round-the-clock trading is popular with customers, the rising costs associated with labour make it no longer viable. Skylark intends to focus more on peak meal times instead.
Q.How much of Skylark's daily revenue comes from its overnight trading?
How much of Skylark's daily revenue comes from its overnight trading?
Around 10 percent of Skylark's daily revenue is generated between midnight and 6 am. Despite this, the company has decided to discontinue 24-hour service at 150 stores due to increasing labour costs.
Q.Will other Skylark restaurants also see changes to their opening hours?
Will other Skylark restaurants also see changes to their opening hours?
Yes, many of Skylark's other 560 eateries will have their trading hours reduced by a couple of hours daily. This measure is also being implemented to help cut down on labour expenses for the company.
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