No wonder your favorite restaurants are closing

If a restaurant group’s name matters more than its menu, are we truly dining - or just consuming?

Restaurants are more than places to eat—they're spaces of connection and tradition. The author reflects on how local institutions shaped their palate and appreciation for hospitality, but Sydney’s dining scene is shifting, with iconic spots closing in favor of fleetingly trendy restaurants. As dining becomes more transactional, the deep bonds between patrons and staff are disappearing. True hospitality thrives on familiarity and loyalty, yet rapid turnover makes it harder to build these connections.

Key takeaways

• Local restaurants shape personal and cultural identity: The author’s childhood and hospitality career were influenced by longstanding institutions that prioritized quality and connection;
• Sydney’s dining scene is changing: Longstanding restaurants are closing, replaced by a rapid turnover of trend-driven eateries that prioritize hype over substance.
• Regularity fosters a deeper dining experience: The best dining experiences come from relationships built over time between patrons and restaurant staff:
• New restaurants often prioritize novelty over tradition: Many follow predictable trends rather than offering meaningful, long-lasting culinary experiences.

Get the full story at GQ