A Greek restaurant owner has revealed how his business was "hit hard" after 22 people failed to show up for reservations in one night.
Marios Bregu, who runs Maria's Greek Taverna in Cardiff, said despite making a booking the no shows left his restaurant empty on Saturday.
The 28-year-old, who runs the taverna in Cathays, was forced to chuck out £200 worth of food.
He said: "It hurt me so badly to do that.
"We had a table of 20 and a 10 booked in, 30 people in total. We set the tables up and moved the restaurant around early evening to accommodate these, turning away other bookings. On the evening eight guests in total arrived over the bookings."
Because of the no-shows, Mr Bregu also had to turn away a number of walk-ins, Wales Online reports.
He added: "No-shows have been happening more in the past few months with the recession and the gas and petrol prices.
"I don't charge people a deposit because I know we are all struggling in the same boat."
In a Facebook post he said: "We don't want to call out our guests, or make anyone feel bad but we want to highlight the damage no show or late cancellations have on small businesses.
"It's OK if plans change, but please do let us and restaurants know. Even with an hour or so notice or when you know there will be a change of plan) we can take other reservations or walk-ins and set up our restaurant to welcome all."
Mr Bregu, who has a young daughter, admitted the cost of living crisis and rising energy bills has affected the restaurant, which has seen a drop in delivery orders and average spend per customer.
Its energy bills have also more than doubled from £1,800 to £4,140 a month and its water bill has risen by nearly £400.
Mr Bregu added: "I work Monday to Sunday, 95 hours a week, and I might make £1,000 profit in a month.
"I want to keep the business open because it's all I have and I like to see happy faces here.
"We get good reviews and I love that, but at the end of the day I need to put food on my daughter's table... it is really tough."
