英媒：法国“餐厅社交”为何陷入危机

Core Viewpoint - The traditional French restaurant industry is facing a crisis due to changing dining habits and rising living costs, leading to a rapid increase in restaurant closures [1][2]. Group 1: Industry Challenges - Approximately 25 restaurants are closing daily in France, highlighting the severity of the crisis in the restaurant sector [1]. - The French hotel and restaurant industry association (UMIH) has called for government intervention to limit new restaurant openings based on local population size and to issue licenses only to qualified professionals, but these proposals have not been adopted [1]. - The pandemic has significantly altered dining behaviors, with many customers now dining out only once or twice a week compared to previous habits [2]. Group 2: Economic Factors - Rising food wholesale costs are impacting restaurant profitability, as owners cannot raise prices due to competition from fast food and sandwich shops [2]. - The tax structure is unfavorable, with takeaway meals taxed at 5.5% while dine-in meals incur a 10% tax, further complicating the financial landscape for restaurants [2]. - Many workers are now using lunch vouchers in supermarkets instead of restaurants, which has negatively affected dine-in lunch sales [2]. Group 3: Changing Consumer Behavior - The rise of online shopping and food delivery services, along with restrictions on driving and parking in city centers, has exacerbated the challenges faced by the restaurant industry [3]. - French consumers, particularly younger generations, are spending less time dining out, with a shift towards healthier eating habits and gym visits during lunch breaks [3]. - Restaurant owners are faced with two main options: sourcing pre-prepared frozen foods to cut costs or maintaining a focus on health with a limited menu using local ingredients, which increases labor costs [3].