Momentum grows for campaign #bekindtohospitality

staff campaign

The #bekindtohospitality campaign kicked off by Graham Chalmers of Radisson Red urging members of the public to treat hospitality staff with patience, kindness and empathy continues to grow, with superstar chefs including Tom Kitchin, Gary Maclean, Marc Crothall, CEO Scottish Tourism Alliance, Richard Mayne of Radisson Blu Edinburgh and Murray Mclure of Fridays joining the campaign this week.

Graham Chalmers, Curator, Radisson RED and #bekindtohospitality founder says, “As restrictions ease and we edge further along the path to a new kind of normality, it is more important than ever to please be kind to staff wherever you go.

“Many businesses have been lost and others are struggling to cope with new rules and regulations on space and distancing – not everyone is as lucky as us at Radisson RED to have so much space.

“So if you book a table, please turn up – or at least call and cancel. For small venues this makes a HUGE difference – potentially between surviving or closing forever.

“Thank you to everyone who has joined our campaign and to the public who have been incredible.

“Go out, enjoy yourselves safely and remember we are just trying to help you do that.”

Tom Kitchin urged customers to, “Think back to the darkest times during lockdown and what you missed the most. Seeing your loved ones, socialising and enjoying a meal or drinks out with friends.

“As the people of hospitality, we are so excited to be back open and welcoming guests, but please remember to be kind, we have had a tough year!”

While Gary Maclean, Masterchef/Creel Caught added, “As we try and get back on our feet and enjoy getting back out for fantastic food and service, please remember that Hospitality workers have gone through the exact same as you, please be kind and support them as they try and provide you with a great experience whilst navigating all the Covid rules”  #BeKindToHospitality

Said Marc Crothall, “There is huge passion, drive and commitment to delivering the best possible service within in our hospitality workforce and we must do all we can to support that; we have to remember that the person serving you was perhaps at home for many months on furlough, or is new to the position and indeed the sector and in the two weeks of opening will have experienced huge joy and feelings of pride in being back at work, coupled with the anxiety around trying to do a job well under very different circumstances to what we have all been used to.

“I think that we’ve become more kind to people as a result of the pandemic and more sensitive and thoughtful to others and it’s important to extend that kindness and on occasion perhaps a degree of patience when we’re out and about enjoying food, drinks and experiences.  I’d always say, put yourself in the shoes of the other person for a moment; I know that everyone within the hospitality and tourism industry is delighted to have you with them and are doing their level best to give you a great experience.”

Murray Mclure, Fridays Regional Director of Operations for Scotland and North comments, “We are delighted to welcome our guests back into Fridays after what has been a tough period for everyone. Since reopening our Scottish restaurants we have seen brilliant levels of trade as everyone in the country does their part to get businesses back to normal and back on track. Our teams are very excited to return to work and once again serve our guests, but understandably they may be feeling anxious about returning after a long period of time. To help safeguard our teams Fridays has signed up to the #bekindtohospitality campaign along with our partners in the hospitality industry, to remind guests that being kind is the best policy as we all cope with the huge changes that we’ve been forced to make to keep Scotland safe.”

With Richard Mayne Radisson Blu Edinburgh / Radisson Collection Hotel Edinburgh concluding, “Working in hospitality has shaped and developed many young people. The Meta Skills that evolve from being part of this unique and wonderful industry are invaluable and crucial in allowing individuals to progress and move forward. #Bekindtohospitality# When you are out and about enjoying the many venues that have reopened please be respectful, patient and remember we are only following the guidelines.”