Mindaugas Ausra is a journalist based in Vilnius, Lithuania. He has been working in news media organizations for more than 6 years. At the moment he is a TV producer and business reporter in the National Broadcaster LRT.

The 'Michelin' Curse: Why Award-Winning Restaurants Close?

01 Oct 2023  |  Lietuvos Radijas ir Televizija  |  Lithuanian  |  Restaurant Industry

Research indicates that restaurants awarded Michelin stars face higher closure rates due to increased expectations and pressures. A study of New York restaurants from 2000 to 2014 found that 40% of Michelin-starred establishments closed by 2019. Business psychologist Laura Rimkutė explains that the prestige of a Michelin star brings heightened expectations and stress, leading to burnout. The award also attracts more attention, changing clientele and increasing costs. Additionally, competitors may copy successful strategies, intensifying competition. The phenomenon is not limited to the culinary world, as award-winning entities in other fields also face similar challenges.

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Restaurant Industry Michelin Stars Business Challenges

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Caroline Barry is a journalist based in Nottingham, United Kingdom. She specialises in CBD, cannabis, hemp, LGBT+ culture and politics, ADHD and neurodiversity.

‘Tremendous sadness’ as popular restaurant set to close in Nottingham city centre

30 Jun 2023  |  www.nottinghamworld.com  |  English  |  Restaurant Industry

Paris restaurant on High Pavement Street in Nottingham is closing permanently due to economic pressures, including the cost of living crisis and increased operating costs. Head chef James Crossman and the team thanked their guests and encouraged continued support for city centre dining. The closure follows that of sister restaurant Petit Paris, which served French cuisine for 27 years before succumbing to similar economic challenges.

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Restaurant Industry Business Closure Economic Pressure

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Ari Bendersky is a Chicago-based lifestyle journalist specializing in food, wine, music and travel and is the author of "1000 Food & Art Styling Ideas,” a coffee table book highlighting beautiful food photography. Ari, the former founding editor of Eater Chicago, has been writing for 20+ years and ...

Will Raising Cane's En-Abel the Demise of Fulton Market?

01 Oct 2023  |  aribendersky.substack.com  |  English  |  Restaurant Industry

The article reflects on the transformation of Chicago's Fulton Market District from a gritty meatpacking area to a high-end dining and retail destination. It questions whether the potential opening of a Raising Cane's signifies a shift towards more mainstream, lower-end chains, potentially altering the neighborhood's upscale character. The narrative includes personal anecdotes and observations about the area's development, the influx of global brands, and the impact on local businesses and culture.

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Restaurant Industry Urban Development Gentrification

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I'm a freelance travel journalist and photographer. For the past ten years, I've produced both written and photographic work for an extensive list of clientele. I've had work published on and in 9Travel, Australian Hotelier, Australian Traveller, Broadsheet (and the Broadsheet Travel Book), Connect ...

O.My is a self-sustaining restaurant with its own farm

24 Aug 2022  |  hospitality | Magazine  |  English  |  Restaurant Industry

O.My, a restaurant in Melbourne's Beaconsfield, exemplifies sustainable practices by sourcing all vegetables from its own 3.5-acre farm in Cardinia. Owner and head chef Blayne Bertoncello, who comes from a family of farmers, has integrated his passion for agriculture into the restaurant's operations. The farm grows 800 varieties of plants, allowing the restaurant to avoid using chemicals. O.My's menu, which changes daily, is based on the farm's yield and has shifted to a degustation-only model to align with the harvest. As O.My nears its 10th anniversary, Bertoncello plans to combine the restaurant and farm on one property and expand into wine and beer production.

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Restaurant Industry Sustainable Practices Local Sourcing

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David Chazan is a journalist.

Tipping culture comes to Paris

01 Oct 2023  |  www.thetimes.com  |  English  |  Restaurant Industry

Parisian restaurants are adapting to a tipping culture as they prepare for an influx of tourists for the Olympics and Paralympics. Traditionally, tipping in France is seen as discretionary, with service usually included in the bill. However, the increasing use of card payments has led to more customers being prompted to leave tips. Some locals and restaurateurs express discomfort and disapproval of this practice, viewing it as unnecessary and exploitative. The article highlights differing attitudes towards tipping between France and countries like the United States.

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Restaurant Industry Tipping Culture Tourism

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Bernadette Chua is a journalist based in Quezon City, Philippines.

Writer-producer-editor, with years of experience in TV and print media. Produced hundreds of stories on a wide range of topics, including food, travel, music, lifestyle, culture, history, news, social issues, politics, and ...

A former Noma chef will be the new head chef of Kiln

29 Jan 2025  |  Sydney Travel Guide  |  English  |  Restaurant Industry

Beau Clugston, a former Noma chef, has been appointed as the new head chef of Kiln, a restaurant located atop the Ace Hotel in Surry Hills, Sydney. Clugston, who has a deep appreciation for native Australian produce, plans to revamp the menu to reflect his passion for the ocean and local ingredients. He will be supported by a team including Isobel Whelan-Little and dessert specialist Andy Bowdy. The new menu will feature innovative dishes such as kingfish tart, kangaroo tartare, and mango stick rice. Clugston's approach is inspired by his experience with Noma Australia, emphasizing the unique flavors of Australia's native ingredients.

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Restaurant Industry Culinary Arts

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Carlos Espinosa Calderón is a journalist based in Quito, Ecuador. I currently work for Agence France Presse as a stringer video journalist covering breaking news and preparing special reports. In the same way, I work for NUR Photo Agency developing stock video for editorial use. Interested in ...

What if You Build it and They Don’t Come?

15 Nov 2023  |  Foodservice Equipment & Supplies  |  English  |  Restaurant Industry

The article draws parallels between the rise and fall of WeWork and the restaurant industry's approach to designing new prototypes. It emphasizes the importance of using data rather than intuition to guide design decisions, cautioning against overbuilding and overspending. By analyzing historical performance data and other metrics, restaurant designers can create more efficient and appropriately sized prototypes, avoiding the pitfalls that led to WeWork's financial troubles.

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Restaurant Industry Business Strategy Data-Driven Design

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PJ Gach is a journalist based in New York, United States of America. PJ creates editorial and commerce pieces. She covers watches, fashion, and lifestyle topics. Her bylines have appeared in Yahoo, Time, Today, and other top-tier publications.

Why TGIF’s Abruptly Closed 36 Locations (and Where To Go Instead)

04 Jan 2023  |  financebuzz.com  |  English  |  Restaurant Industry

TGI Fridays announced the closure of 36 underperforming restaurants across the United States on January 4th, despite recent efforts to revitalize the brand and menu. The closures are attributed to the pandemic's impact on dining habits and a nationwide staffing shortage. The most affected states include New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. The article suggests alternative casual dining chains such as Applebees, Texas Roadhouse, Ruby Tuesday, and Chili’s for displaced TGI Fridays customers. The company remains focused on improving performance at its remaining locations.

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Restaurant Industry Business Closure

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Joyce Huang is a journalist based in Taipei, Taiwan. She currently works as a free-lancer, covering news about Taiwan and China. Throughout her journalistic career in the past two decades, she has had experience working for or contributing to both Taiwanese and foreign news outlets. Those include ...

Popular Taiwanese dumpling chain to close 14 stores in China as economy loses steam

02 Oct 2023  |  www.voanews.com  |  English  |  Restaurant Industry

Din Tai Fung, a renowned Taiwanese restaurant chain, is closing 14 stores in northern China due to economic challenges and changing consumer habits. The closures, affecting 800 employees, are attributed to increased price competition and a shift towards more affordable dining options as China's economy faces a property market crisis, high unemployment, and a slumping stock market. Despite these challenges in China, Din Tai Fung continues to expand internationally, with new branches in the United States. The company is adjusting to the reduced demand, while competitors like Haidilao are introducing more affordable options to attract customers.

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Restaurant Industry Economic Challenges

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Mike Ives is a journalist based in Hanoi, Vietnam, and a regular contributor to The Economist and The New York Times.

Dozens of Red Lobster Restaurants Are Auctioning Off Equipment

14 May 2024  |  www.nytimes.com  |  English  |  Restaurant Industry

Equipment from over 50 Red Lobster restaurants in the United States is being auctioned as the seafood chain faces financial difficulties. The auctions, managed by TAGeX Brands, include various restaurant equipment and are set to conclude on Thursday. Red Lobster, which has been losing money, is considering restructuring its debt or filing for bankruptcy. The chain, once an American dining staple, has been impacted by the pandemic, rising costs, and industry challenges. Major shareholders, including Thai Union Group and Seafood Alliance, are exiting their investments.

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Restaurant Industry Business Financial Troubles

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I'm passionate about pursuing environmental and cultural stories and just as obsessed in capturing cinematic moments in human stories. I write and I film. I've been published and broadcast by Al Jazeera, BBC, VOA, National Geographic, Bloomberg Quicktake, CCTV News (Now CGTN), Dutch Channel VPRO, ...

Retro

09 May 2022  |  Culinary Backstreets  |  English  |  Wine Industry

The article discusses the evolution of vegan dining in Tbilisi, Georgia, focusing on Living Vino Vegan Restaurant and Natural Wine Bar. It recounts the city's past hostility towards vegans, including a 2016 attack on a vegan café. The founder of Living Vino, Dimitri Safonov, is profiled, detailing his background in digital marketing, wine education, and his journey to veganism and meditation. Despite opening just before the COVID-19 lockdown, Living Vino adapted by offering delivery and has since become a popular spot for both locals and tourists, especially during Lent. The restaurant also hosted a fundraising dinner for Ukrainian refugees. Dimitri plans to open a branch in Kyiv post-war and is involved in humanitarian efforts. The article touches on the environmental benefits of a plant-based diet and positions Living Vino as a place for conscientious eating without sacrificing wine quality.

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Restaurant Business Wine Industry Veganism Humanitarian Projects

Alexander Joe is a Zimbabwean-born photographer whose interest in photography began at the age of
19 when he was influenced by British fashion photographer David Bailey's work. But, as the war to end
white-minority rule in his home country escalated, Alexander's interest turned from fashion
...

Revolutionizing Restaurant Communication: Digital Displays for Enhanced Service

17 Jan 2024  |  Market Business News  |  English  |  Restaurant Industry

Digital Displays are transforming the restaurant industry by replacing traditional static menus with dynamic, real-time updates. These displays enhance customer engagement through interactive features, reduce wait times, and contribute to a modern dining ambiance. They also support sustainability by eliminating the need for paper menus. Successful integration and staff training are essential for maximizing the benefits of this technology.

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Restaurant Industry Digital Signage Customer Service

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Melissa Kravitz is a journalist based in New York, United States of America.

Jack In the Box Is Opening 123 Restaurants In 4 New States

22 Nov 2023  |  Eat This Not That  |  English  |  Restaurant Expansion

Jack in the Box is set to expand by opening 123 new restaurants in Arkansas, Florida, Montana, and Wyoming, bringing its presence to over half of the U.S. The chain, known for its unique and low-priced items, will also open 22 locations in Mexico, marking its first international expansion. Del Taco, a sibling brand, will add 138 new restaurants in the U.S., furthering its growth alongside competitors like Chipotle and Taco Bell.

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Fast Food Industry Restaurant Expansion

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Doris Lam is a journalist based in Hong Kong, Hong Kong. She's been published on HuffPost Personal, Hong Kong Tatler, Localiiz, Foodie Hong Kong, Live Media, Landmark Hong Kong and more.

How Sydney fish chef Josh Niland serves seafood ‘like meat’ at his Singapore restaurant Fysh, and why sustainability is about ‘making a decision’

01 Nov 2023  |  South China Morning Post  |  English  |  Restaurant Industry

Josh Niland, a renowned Sydney chef, has opened his first international restaurant, Fysh, in Singapore, offering a unique seafood steakhouse concept. Niland's innovative approach treats fish like meat, using techniques such as dry aging and fish charcuterie. His commitment to sustainability is evident in his efforts to minimize waste and use every part of the fish. Despite challenges in adapting to the Singaporean palate, Niland remains dedicated to changing perceptions about seafood and promoting sustainable practices in the culinary industry.

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Restaurant Industry Sustainability Culinary Innovation

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Lea Lang is a journalist based in Timișoara, Kreis Timiș, Romania. 
Right now she is working for the German program at Radio Romania Timisoara providing news, event tips, book/film/theatre revisions and producing broadcasts for youth.

Frankie Leach is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom.

The pioneering chef bringing a taste of Palestine to London

15 Jan 2023  |  Huck  |  English  |  Restaurant Industry

Fadi Kattan, a renowned Palestinian chef, has opened a new restaurant, Akub, in London's Notting Hill, bringing Palestinian cuisine to the city. The restaurant, which has received critical acclaim, features a design that nods to Palestinian culture and serves dishes made from local fresh products. Fadi discusses the challenges of the Israeli occupation, the appropriation of Palestinian cuisine, and his commitment to using ethical and local ingredients. He also reflects on the impact of the occupation on Palestinian identity and the ongoing political situation in the West Bank.

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Restaurant Industry Culinary Arts Palestinian Culture

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Paolo Morelli is a journalist based in Torino, Italy. He works also as a press officer and started to write for printed and online newspapers 10 years ago.

Tortora: “The purchase of Caminetto? A matter of affection”

12 Feb 2025  |  www.ilrestodelcarlino.it  |  Italian  |  Restaurant Industry

Pierluigi Tortora, a Cesena-based entrepreneur in the energy sector, has acquired the restaurant 'Al Caminetto' in Milano Marittima through his company Plt Food. Tortora has fond memories of the restaurant and plans to preserve its current atmosphere and quality. Plt Food is also planning expansions in the United States and Dubai. Tortora's family previously sold their wind energy business to Plenitude, a part of Eni, and have since expanded their renewable energy investments. Despite relocating to Switzerland, Tortora maintains strong ties to Cesena and Romagna, engaging in local social initiatives.

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Restaurant Industry Business Acquisition Renewable Energy

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Fabiana Rondón is a journalist based in Caracas, Venezuela.

The Chef Behind Cordero, the Internationally Recognized Venezuelan Restaurant

01 Oct 2023  |  www.vozdeamerica.com  |  Spanish  |  Restaurant Industry

Issam Koteich, a Venezuelan chef of Syrian origin, initially declined the proposal to open the restaurant Cordero in Caracas but later agreed after visiting the Proyecto Ubre farm. Cordero, which opened in June 2022, offers a unique menu based solely on lamb and has recently won the One To Watch 2023 award from Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants. The restaurant's success is attributed to its high-quality dishes, innovative concept, and the integral role of Proyecto Ubre, which supplies all its ingredients. Despite challenges, Cordero has gained popularity for its distinctive culinary experience.

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Restaurant Industry Culinary Arts

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Alexander Saeedy is a journalist and public policy researcher based in Brussels, Belgium, where he writes about financial regulation, the global economy, international taxation, and European political affairs. A graduate of Yale University, he's written for Reuters, VICENews, Foreign Affairs, ...

Famed New York Restaurant Hwa Yuan Szechuan’s Landlord Files for Bankruptcy

31 Oct 2023  |  WSJ  |  English  |  Restaurant Industry

The landlord of Hwa Yuan Szechuan, a renowned Chinese restaurant in Manhattan's Chinatown, filed for bankruptcy to avoid foreclosure. The restaurant, started by Taiwanese immigrant Yu Fa Tang in the late 1960s and known for popularizing cold sesame noodles in the U.S., has struggled financially since the Covid-19 lockdowns. Despite its acclaim and celebrity patrons like Jennifer Lawrence and Gwyneth Paltrow, the financial pressures on the restaurant industry have taken a toll.

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Restaurant Industry Bankruptcy Post-Covid Recovery

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Christine Schindler is a journalist based in Brisbane City, Australia.

The Restaurant Industry Is Facing the Perfect Storm—But There Are Smart Ways to Weather It

15 Feb 2023  |  Modern Restaurant Management  |  English  |  Restaurant Industry

The restaurant industry is grappling with a severe labor shortage, rising costs, and heightened consumer expectations. The quit rate in the industry has surged, leading to increased job openings. Concurrently, inflation, energy costs, and supply chain issues are exacerbating the situation. Restaurants must adopt advanced hygiene technologies, such as air purifiers and sensors, to ensure cleanliness and food safety, which can also improve employee health and reduce foodborne illnesses. Investing in these technologies can prevent significant financial losses and reputation damage from foodborne illness outbreaks.

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Restaurant Industry Labor Shortage Food Safety Technology in Restaurants

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Sarah Souli is an independent journalist based in Athens, Greece. She focuses on narrative-driven, in-depth pieces that connect individual stories to a bigger picture, be that politics, economics, the environment, culture, or human rights. 

Her print work has been featured in Vice, The Guardian, ...

Here for a Good Time, Not a Long Time

01 Oct 2023  |  smartmouth.substack.com  |  English  |  Restaurant Industry

The Rainforest Cafe, a themed restaurant chain that peaked in the 1990s, is highlighted for its unique, immersive dining experience featuring animatronic animals and jungle-themed decor. Despite its initial success, the chain has seen a significant decline, with only 18 locations remaining in the U.S. and five internationally. The article reflects on the nostalgia and consumerist culture of the 1990s while noting the brand's struggle to stay relevant in modern times.

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Restaurant Industry Rainforest Cafe 1990s Nostalgia

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Naomi Tomky is a journalist based in Seattle, United States of America. She writes about food and travel for publications including Saveur, The Atlantic’s CityLab, Lucky Peach, Pacific Standard, Thrillist, and many more. She has contributed to various guides, guidebooks, and Lucky Peach’s upcoming ...

Keith Lee, FOB Sushi, and Wormgate

01 Nov 2024  |  www.seattlemet.com  |  English  |  Restaurant Industry

Keith Lee's recent visit to Seattle sparked controversy when a video he posted led to the temporary closure of FOB Sushi. The video showed a possible worm in a sushi dish, causing public outcry and concern over food safety. Despite the lack of conclusive evidence of any wrongdoing or health risks from the restaurant, the incident highlights the powerful impact of social media on small businesses. The article emphasizes the need for caution in drawing conclusions from viral content and the real-world consequences of online reactions.

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Restaurant Industry Social Media Influence Food Safety

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Vivienne Walt is a seasoned, award-winning foreign correspondent for TIME Magazine and other major US publications. She travels widely from her base in Paris, with broad expertise on war and terrorism in Europe and beyond. Walt has covered the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars, and the Egyptian, Tunisian ...

French Chef Mory Sacko Is Building a Restaurant Empire

05 Oct 2023  |  ca.news.yahoo.com  |  English  |  Restaurant Industry

Mory Sacko, a rising star in Parisian fine dining, has quickly ascended to celebrity chef status with his Michelin-starred restaurant MoSuke and as host of the TV show 'Cuisine Ouverte.' At 30, he has cooked for President Emmanuel Macron and served high-profile guests like Timothée Chalamet and Forest Whitaker. Raised in a large family with Malian and Senegalese roots, Sacko's culinary style blends African, Japanese, and French influences. He is expanding his culinary empire with new ventures, including MoSugo and an upcoming restaurant, Lafayette’s, near the Elysée Palace.

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Restaurant Industry Celebrity Chef French Cuisine

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