120 Kyiv restaurants closed due to war and lack of customers
11 December 15:50
Over the past year, about 120 restaurants and cafes have closed in Kyiv due to the war and lack of customers. This was reported by the director of the analytical center “Restaurants of Ukraine” Olga Nasonova, according to
Nasonova explained why some establishments could not survive and what caused such losses for the capital’s gastronomic sector.
The reasons for the closure of the restaurant business in Kyiv are varied, but they all point to the serious challenges caused by the war and its consequences:
- New establishments that did not have time to “take off”
Such restaurants often opened with bright concepts but did not have the time or financial resources to establish themselves. They became the first victims of economic difficulties.
- Unsuccessful concepts
Restaurants that chose the wrong concept, location, or prices also failed to survive.
“I don’t feel sorry for them at all, because they should have turned to professionals and done good math,” Nasonova said.
- Old establishments that have not been updated
Some restaurants have not adapted to modern requirements. The lack of investment in modernization or the owners’ unwillingness to change the concept caused their decline.
- Rebranding as a chance for survival
Long-established establishments that have closed have been rebranded and reopened in a new format. Some of them even succeeded.
- “Unlucky” locations
Restaurants in places that lost their appeal because of the war also failed. We’re talking about establishments in shopping centers that are evacuated during alarms or in business centers where the target audience has disappeared.
- “External success” and internal problems
Even popular establishments that appear to be successful have been unable to cope with rising costs for rent, utilities, food, and taxes. In addition, many owners are simply tired of fighting for survival.
“Because rents and taxes are rising, utility bills are rising every week, the staff is wringing their hands, and they are tired of fighting,” Nasonova said.
- External factors
The war, mobilization, power outages, and a drop in customer solvency have become key challenges for restaurateurs. Only about 15% of establishments managed to remain successful by serving high-income customers.
Nasonova expressed concern that if the trends continue, only 15% of restaurants may remain in Kyiv. She recalled that in the past, Kyiv has already experienced periods when there were only 20 restaurants in the entire city.
Nevertheless, the expert believes that business survival requires adaptation to realities, competent planning, and willingness to invest resources in new formats.
As reported by
