Asif Muhammad: “The music stops when the cash runs out”
A partner at Main Course Associates - clients include Angela Hartnett and Jesse Dunford Wood - Muhammad says that with restaurants likely to be among the last businesses to open it is essential to hold on to some cash.
"The thing we have to remember is that the music stops when the cash runs out. Whether it's cash you may have currently in your bank or cash you are planning to get through grants ensure you do not run out," the former Gordon Ramsay Group finance manager says.
"That's very difficult with restaurants running at fine margins. Communication is key. Talk to your landlords and talk to your suppliers."
Muhammad and Macellaio RC founder Roberto Costa have opened up three of their five London restaurants to sell steaks to cook at home and wine to move stock and keep cash moving through their business.
"You've got to remain relevant and come up with creative solutions. I would not necessarily worry too much about profitability. What's important is to have the cash churning."
UnitedWeStand has been created by William Reed hospitality titles BigHospitality, Restaurant magazine and Morning Advertiser and is supported by Britvic, CocaCola European Partners and Unilever Food Solutions.
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