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Core Viewpoint - The European restaurant industry is facing a severe crisis characterized by declining customer traffic, rising operational costs, labor shortages, and high tax burdens, leading to widespread closures and bankruptcies across the continent [4][5]. Group 1: Industry Crisis - The restaurant industry is a crucial sector in Europe, reflecting economic vitality. Since the summer of 2025, a noticeable decline in customer traffic has spread from France to the UK, Germany, and Southern Europe, indicating a widespread industry crisis [6]. - The Paris 2024 Olympics have significantly impacted the French restaurant sector, with customer traffic dropping by up to 80% in certain areas due to strict security measures [6][7]. - The UK pub industry has seen a decline, with the number of pubs falling below 39,000 and 412 closures in 2024, averaging over 8 closures per week [7]. - In Germany, the restaurant and accommodation sector's revenue fell by 3.7% in the first half of 2025, with the restaurant sector down by 4.1%, marking a 15% decline compared to pre-pandemic levels [8]. Group 2: Contributing Factors - The decline in the European restaurant industry is attributed to weakened demand, rising costs, and labor market shortages [9]. - Consumer spending on dining out has decreased due to high inflation, leading to a shift towards home consumption and alternative dining options [10]. - Rising operational costs, including an 18% increase in operating costs and a 2.3% decrease in disposable income in the UK, have pressured profitability [7][11]. - Tax policy changes, such as Germany's increase in VAT on dining from 7% to 19%, have further squeezed profit margins, forcing businesses to raise prices or reduce service quality [12]. Group 3: Future Trends - The European restaurant industry is expected to experience a "weak recovery with significant differentiation" in 2026, with larger chains likely to maintain resilience while smaller businesses struggle [15]. - Future developments in the industry will depend on factors such as changes in consumer income and price sensitivity, tax and labor policies, and the ability to address labor shortages [16]. - The overall decline in the restaurant sector reflects the broader stagnation of economic growth in Europe, with GDP growth projected at only 0.8% in 2024 [17].