Restaurant business crisis in Kyiv: what's happening
Experts from the restaurant business in Kyiv predict that by the end of the year, up to 20% of establishments may close. Olga Nasonova, head of the analytical center 'Restaurants of Ukraine', emphasizes that the city is facing a serious problem with the closure of restaurants and cafes, which could lead to a loss of a fifth of establishments by 2025.
Scale of the crisis
According to Nasonova, of every ten new establishments, only two become successful, five operate without losses, and the remaining three close within a year and a half. This applies to both new establishments and long-standing restaurants.
A wave of closures has begun. Moreover, it's not just those that have been operating recently, but also those that have been successful for many years
Summer 2025 was particularly difficult for the industry due to a sharp decline in the attendance of establishments due to various factors, such as economic downturn and psychological stress.
Main reasons for the crisis
- Decline in purchasing power
A sharp decrease in the purchasing power of Ukrainians has led many people to visit establishments less frequently and spend less money on dining out.
- Rising costs with unchanged menu prices
Restaurateurs find themselves in a difficult situation where they have to raise salaries for staff and keep menu prices stable to attract customers.
Psycho-emotional factor and expectations of peace
The restaurant market reacts to news about the possible end of the war - if there is hope for peace, activity rises. However, the lack of positive news and unusual circumstances such as power outages add pessimism to the situation.
Kyiv is experiencing a crisis in the restaurant business, which is leading to the closure of up to 20% of establishments by the end of the year. The reasons include a decline in the purchasing power of Ukrainians, rising costs for restaurateurs, and psychological stress against the backdrop of an unstable situation in the country.