Hospitality group McGinty’s has held on to all 270 staff and bosses are raring to get the businesses up and running again as soon as possible.
Nearly all of the Aberdeen-based company’s bar, restaurant and hotel workforce are currently furloughed, with none having been laid off during the Covid-19 crisis.
Director Allan Henderson said the group was “on a sound financial footing” after a Covid-19 business interruption loan from its bank – and ready to come out of lockdown whenever conditions allow it.
The company’s portfolio of Aberdeen businesses includes The Stag, on Crown Street, No. 10 Bar & Restaurant, on Queen’s Terrace, The Fourmile, in Kingswells, the Silver Darling, on Pocra Quay, and McGinty’s Meal an’ Ale, The Esslemont, Mac’s Pizzeria and The Grill, all on Union Street.
McGinty’s also owns Ferryhill House Hotel, on Bon Accord Street.
Mr Henderson, who launched the group more than 10 years ago, said the group had never previously required external financial support but “definitely needed it now”.
He added: “We went from turning over more than £1 million a month to almost zero overnight.
“The bank’s support allowed us to furlough everyone, securing as many jobs as possible, and pay our suppliers.”
He hopes to have at least some of McGinty’s businesses up and running during the summer after the Scottish Government starts easing restrictions.
“The Scottish hospitality industry really needs the summer period,” he said, adding: “It’s absoulutely critical for many bars and restaurants.”
He expects restaurants and hotels to be allowed to open first, with those able to seat people outside for food and drink likely to be at an advantage as the government and industry roll out guidance on social distancing and other measures to protect customers and staff.
Mr Henderson welcomed moves to create a “cafe culture” in Aberdeen, and said Ferryhill House Hotel’s “fantastic outdoor space” could be a boon in the new trading environment.