Fine dining and Michelin-starred restaurants in France saw a rise in visits during the June heatwave, according to a study by digital payments platform Lightspeed. Transactions at these establishments increased by 11% in the second half of June compared with the same period last year, with the rise exceeding 30% in Paris.
The study, revealed by newspaper Les Echos on 10 July, surveyed around 2,000 restaurants across France. It points to air conditioning and heat adapted menus as the main drivers behind the surge in fine dining visits.
High-end restaurants are typically equipped with air conditioning, while more modest establishments, such as brasseries, do not always have the same coverage, though many do have air conditioning in at least some rooms. Top chefs also adapt their menus to high temperatures, an offering that appeals particularly to customers who can afford it.
The findings point to a broader social divide exposed by the heatwave. Those able to afford a “good restaurant” are more likely to choose an establishment offering greater comfort, while others have more limited options for beating the heat while dining out.
The study also found a shift in drinking habits during the heatwave. Wine consumption fell by 13% in the second half of June compared with the same period last year, as diners turned to non-alcoholic beverages instead.
Lightspeed, which provides digital management and payment solutions for the restaurant and retail sectors, gathered the data from transactions recorded across its network of client restaurants during the period.
Photo Credit: BOOCYS / Shutterstock.com
