A restaurant boss’s prediction of three restaurants closing this year has come to fruition with the closure of Port Royal Golf Course eatery 64°, Thai restaurant, Silk and The Green Lantern.

Island Restaurant Group President Philip Barnett said in an interview with

The Royal Gazette in January that “at least three restaurants” would close in 2012.

The restaurant industry has been involved in many public initiatives to generate business during the lean months of the first quarter, including Bermuda’s first ever Restaurant Week and the Hamilton City Food Festival as well as the waitstaff training course.

According to Mr Barnett, while the events and programmes have been beneficial, it’s clear that the industry is still struggling.

“It has been keeping everyone being aggressive and recommitting to high standards,” he said. “But, I think our industry will continue to face more challenges than less challenges this year.”

He added what could arise out of difficulty could be a more efficient and more competitive hospitality industry.

“The focus is on quality,” he said. “Our prices are now no more expensive than any East Coast location and are cheaper than New York, London or Toronto. I think that is indicative of Bermuda’s future success.”