They Became Restaurateurs for a Taste of Independence (And 5 Other Things to Know)

Here, our editorial team selects some juicy tidbits from elsewhere. Just enough to fuel reflection on the evolution of foodservice.

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Inside the Minds of Restaurateurs: Stress and Fulfillment

A small survey conducted recently among approximately 200 restaurateurs paints a bittersweet picture of the state of mind within the profession: 78% of professionals surveyed suffer from stress (+27 points versus the national average for the active workforce) and 62% from anxiety (+21). Furthermore, 43% of them have considered stopping their activity over the last 12 months, mainly due to fatigue (71%) and insufficient profitability (71%). Nevertheless, in the majority of cases (81%), these same restaurateurs would make the same choice again if they had to do it all over...

Conversely, nearly one in four "neo-restaurateurs" is a career changer. Among them, the majority declare they launched their business to taste independence (70%) or to find fulfillment in a passion project (58%). These independents thus maintain a relationship with work that is significantly different from the rest of the active population, with two-thirds of them associating work with personal fulfillment (+21).(Neo-Restauration)

A Pub Isn't Easy to Manage, Even for the Largest Bank in the U.S.

Welcome to Morgan’s, a pub nestled on the 13th floor of JP Morgan’s new bank headquarters, a pharaonic $3 billion skyscraper standing on Park Avenue. But managing this kind of establishment is quite the professional challenge. Not that this slice of England in the heart of Manhattan charges prohibitive prices. Even though the era where employees ordered meals on DoorDash at the bank's expense is over, expect to pay around $20 for fish and chips, a shepherd's pie, or a cheeseburger.

Admittedly, consuming alcohol during the day is strictly forbidden. A rule that was quite elastic at first, as CEO Jamie Dimon, a fan of the venue, enjoyed a Guinness there before a lunch. Several mocktails have since been added to the lunch menu, including a Morgan's Mule without vodka ($10).

But the real issue lies in the price of success. Investment bankers flock there to sign new deals with clients dazzled by the breathtaking view. Some young associates now book their spots weeks in advance, hoping to venture into this new kind of temple on Wall Street. More than 10,000 people work in the building, and Morgan’s only has 55 seats. Needless to say, outsiders have to pull strings to try and get a table. (Wall Street Journal)

What if the World’s Best Restaurant Was the Worst Place to Work?

A media storm is growing around the emblematic Noma. Numerous testimonies from former team members report grueling working conditions, repeated humiliating behavior, and, for some, acts that could amount to harassment and violence. At this stage, these accusations remain allegations rather than court rulings, but their multiplication and consistency pose a stinging question: what really happened inside the Danish restaurant?

As Noma undergoes a transformation, with the scheduled cessation of its classic activity in Copenhagen to shift toward a culinary laboratory, this storm goes beyond the specific case of this acclaimed restaurant to touch the very foundations of the fine dining model. (Food&Sens)

"The JPMorgan Chase board of directors met late last year at Morgan's. When a tray of Guinness was served, a familiar face was floating on the foam: Jamie Dimon's. An executive had asked the bar staff to use a printer to sketch the portrait. Dimon found the joke amusing. But he has since banned his face from appearing 'for fear of the confusion it could fuel,'" reports Alexandre Saeedy, a reporter for the WSJ. (Photo reconstructed by AI)

Menus with a Taste of... GLP-1

During the last earnings call , CEO Chris Kempczinski stated that McDonald's was testing menu items to appeal to customers taking GLP-1 weight-loss drugs. These particular profiles tend to favor high-protein meals, reduce snacking, and cut down on sugary drinks.

With smaller portions, diet beverages, and the ability to modify orders, the American chain, which still plans to open over 2,000 restaurants this year, wants to capitalize on these new dietary habits, given that one in ten Americans is currently on treatment. (Bezinga)

Generation Z, Pioneers of Sobriety, Are Drinking More Alcohol Than Before

Consumers born between 1997 and 2012 were previously less inclined to hit the bottle than other generational cohorts. But this demographic situation has since normalized. Data from the IWSR suggests that the proportion of Gen Z adults of legal drinking age who have consumed alcohol in the last six months has risen from 66% in March 2023 to 73% in March 2025.

The wine, spirits, and brewing industries won't automatically rejoice, however, as emerging factors could considerably reduce spending on alcohol. Starting with GLP-1 drugs – yes, them again – which can reduce alcohol consumption by up to 75%.

However, out of cynicism, it is worth noting that the zeitgeist might counteract this trend. A feeling of permanent crisis, of "no future," encourages behaviors of "nihilistic indulgence," with consumers drinking and smoking more... (FoodNavigator)

When Did Burgundy Become Inaccessible?

Burgundy remains sacred ground for the wine world. A place of traditions and legends, of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, of Montrachet – a viticulture born when the Romans still ruled. It is the gold standard for wine drinkers, and the north star for Chardonnay and Pinot producers worldwide. But a Burgundy wine is no longer affordable, even for restaurants crowned by the Michelin Guide.

The 2024 harvest was one of the smallest in the last fifteen years. Climate change has widened the variability of vintages, adding a level of unpredictability to the harvest. Yet, in 2025, Burgundy exports reached their highest level in fifteen years. China, where exports jumped 35% in the first half of 2024, Hong Kong, and Singapore have been major markets. How high will prices go? It is difficult to predict as long as eager buyers do not hesitate to shell out sums reaching five figures. (Vinepair)