It’s tough out there for New Zealand’s hospitality industry.

The rising cost of living in the past few years has seen everyone tightening their belts, and the skyrocketing cost of food in particular has been cutting into people’s disposable income.

With overheads increasing at the same time as patrons cutting back on their spending, it’s no wonder we’ve seen a series of beloved bars and restaurants closing their doors for good.

So what’s next for the industry, and how can these businesses adapt to changing times?

Today on The Front Page, we’re joined by Herald deputy Lifestyle editor Johanna Thornton, and AUT Hospitality and Tourism professor David Williamson, to talk about the state of the sector, and where it needs to go from here.

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You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network.

Host: Chelsea Daniels
Sound Engineer: Paddy Fox
Producer: Ethan Sills