Ekaterinburg Night Clubs Cannot Cope with Crisis Depression

06.05.2009 — News

THE SVERDLOVSK OBLAST.

The number of bar, cafe, and restaurant goers has dropped by 15-20% in Ekaterinburg since the beginning of 2009. The loss of clientele has already caused five nightclubs to close down.

The city administration informed RusBusinessNews that the closures of recreation establishments are caused by proprietors' financial difficulties. Rather symbolic is the crash of the restaurant chain that used to be managed by OOO Malachite. Designer cuisine restaurants Gradara, Grand Buffet, and Beer Baron were located in the centre of Ekaterinburg and were frequented by diplomats and foreigners. Even the Divan striptease club, a part of the Malachite chain, was very popular amongst local Members of Parliament and officials; however, it has not withstood the crisis cash shortages either.

There are more than 1,500 catering establishments in Ekaterinburg today, including around 60 restaurants and a hundred bars.