rugbymatt

We had it in Jerez. I know it might be regional and depend on size but we definitely had it as the barman asked for us to "say when"

lmj50

Just spoke to a Muslim guy who works in the local accountants. I asked him if he would/could eat in a restaurant that served pork. He said yes why? I tried to explain the "discussion" on this thread. He can't see the problem. He also loves a bacon sandwich.

Lynn R

In the UK, I often worked with Muslim colleagues and have been out for meals with them many times. The more religious ones would never come along if we were going to a pub to eat, but would happily join us if we were going to a restaurant where alcohol was served (always seemed a dubious distinction to me, but it's their choice).

If it wasn't an establishment that served halal meat, they would just choose something vegetarian from the menu, no problem. Nobody ever refused to go somewhere where pork was prepared and served, e.g. Italian restaurants where a number of dishes would contain bacon.

JLFS

i am talking about optimising profits, but if a restaurant had to stop serving certain dishes because they are not compatible with muslims Pork being the major example, would that be really optimisning profits.

Of course if they are compartible then there is not problem if chorizo and lomo pork filled, can still be served that is, I dont know the answer you do so tell.

would muslims still come to a place that serves pork, simples.

JLFS

But we are talikng about muslim tourists who live in muslim countries and are on holiday.

To be fair the muslims in the Uk really dont have much choice if they want to go out with colleagues in the UK.

A lot of strict muslims would not be socialising with Brits anyway.

lmj50

Read my post . The answer is yes. Now I know that I only asked one Muslim, but that is because I only know one Muslim.
So did you read and understand my post?
Yes
No
Don't know

Lynn R

A few fundamentalists might feel that way, but it is only a few. I think I have probably done more socialising with Muslim people than you have, by the sound of it, and as I say, if they don't want to risk eating meat that might not be halal, they just go for something vegetarian and never make a fuss about it.

Come to think of it, we have met Muslim tourists a few times in Spain, having got chatting in restaurants as you do, and they do exactly the same thing here. They have the same problem my OH does, who eats neither meat nor fish, in that the number of places they can find vegetarian food is very limited so we tend to come across them in Indian and Italian restaurants which are normally a safe bet.

JLFS

well obviously he does not adhere to the rules of his religion does he, we were talking about muslims who eat only halan food, which I am sure are more numerous that a token muslim bacon butty lover.

We are talking about a business plan, so a few that stray from the rigth path and eat pork, are not really relevant when considering the wider picture.

IE most people 5 fingers, but there are some born with 6, if would be a shite business plan to go into the 6 finger glove business though would nt it?

If you see what I mean.

JLFS

yes

see how easy it is RM to answer yes no or dont know.

Domino

brings a bit of sensibility to the whole matter
because although some don't want to hear it, there are people out there who don't force their religion, their beliefs, down everyone's throat.
they understand the world is made for living in and that all good sensible atoms may go round and round but never collide with anyone else.

lmj50

The problem is though we were talking about the rise of the affluent Muslim traveller, but as usual we have gone way off thread.

jimenato

Wow - an answer

I think this illustrates that Muslims are as diverse as Jews and Christians. I've certainly known Jews eat pork although others would never do so. Some Christians are far more strict on their observance of rules than others. Some Muslims drink and presumably eat pork and other non-halal foods - it would be odd if that wasn't the case.

There is not one rule that fits all.

I think JL's question is very valid.

Basically the question is; what would you have to do in order for your establishment to be acceptable to enough Muslims to make money from them and would those steps make it too unattractive to other customers so you would lose them?

It's the kind of question all businesses have to weigh up all the time.

JLFS

At last...............not an Etta James impression

I know that you are in the restaurant business, I seem to recall that you put a sample menu on here and I thought it was good.

You have it the nail on the head.

Would it be as simple as adding to the menu or would it have to be a huge overhaul, RM who started the thread is being very coy.............surley he is the one to answer as he has all the answers.

Domino

well now we understand the type of restaurant you will be opening......
vegetarians understand that a restaurant will have a certain degree of seperation between the prep of vegetable and meat product. Believe it or not it could actually be law to do so. Failure to do so could mean closing down
some vegans may be stricter, but generally understand that, like Muslims, Jews and those of different religions, it can be difficult to ensure scrupulous separation. It can be the one concession you have to make to have a pleasant evening out with friends, or not as the case may be.

steviedeluxe

It's possible to start a new business that targets tourists or expats etc, that also brings in the odd local. For instance sheesha bars on the Edgware Road in London now get Brit customers who want to try the water pipes - but they were originally set up as a place for Mid-East gentlemen to relax. See also the Irish pubs in Madrid that probably get as many Spanish customers at night as expats.
I doubt very much that an existing place in Spain that served Spanish fare (including pork products) and booze, would be able to attract observant Muslims. Starbucks or McDs, possibly. But otherwise it would surely be better to start a place aiming at that market from the off? I know in both Madrid and Granada there are tea-houses (teterias) in a certain street that also hosts eating places.