WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT CRISIS COMMUNICATIONS IN THE CATERING MARKET?

Abstract

In the conditions of rapid development of the catering market, restaurants and cafes face numerous crises that can seriously affect their reputation and financial stability. This article is devoted to the study of the peculiarities of crisis communications in the Uzbek restaurant business. The study analyzes how crises affect the perception of customers and quickly spread in the media space. Based on comparative analysis, key crisis communication strategies applied in Uzbekistan, such as rapid response, use of social networks, and interaction with influential bloggers and media, were identified. Comparisons were made with international practices such as crisis plans, staff training and active communication with the public. Based on international experience, recommendations are offered to improve approaches to crisis communications that can be adapted to the realities of the Uzbek market. The recommendations include the need to create clear crisis plans, implement a social media monitoring system to quickly identify and respond to negativity, regular staff training and public relations. These measures will help catering establishments in Uzbekistan to increase crisis resilience, reduce reputational losses and maintain customer loyalty, which is particularly important in a highly competitive and rapidly changing market environment.