Category Archives: Economics of Dining

Agglomeration externalities from restaurants

We estimate agglomeration externalities in Milan’s restaurant sector using the abolition of a unique regulation that restricted where restaurants could locate. In 2005, Milan abolished a minimum distance requirement that had kept the number of establishments artificially constant across neighborhoods. … Continue reading

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The decline of Michelin-starred restaurants

That is the topic of my latest Bloomberg column, here is one bit: And then there is the spread of the Michelin brand. There are now Michelin guides for many US cities, which has caused the brand to lose some … Continue reading

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The economics of why Noma is closing

Here is the take of yours truly: Tyler Cowen, a professor of economics at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va., and a devoted restaurant-goer, says that people are misinterpreting Redzepi’s intentions with the closure. Cowen doesn’t think the chef is … Continue reading

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The New Top Chef

During the pandemic a pasta restaurant launched on UberEats in Paris. Cala quickly attracted a top 1% rating for it’s high quality to price ratio. Only now has it been revealed that the chef is a robot. “We wanted to … Continue reading

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“You have to order all at once”

Boia De, web site, 5205 NE 2nd Ave Miami, FL 33137 [Trip Advisor | 4 CBS | Ylp] Lung Yai Thai Tapas, web site 1, web site 2, 1731 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135 [Trip Advisor | Ylp | … Continue reading

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Delivery service price cap regulations

Ben emails me: Could you please consider and comment on some of the unseen consequences of local price caps on restaurant delivery services? (Politico article describing the phenomenon in SF, NYC, etc.) A highly competitive market for such services exists … Continue reading

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Will Covid-19 expose the ghost firms?

That is the topic of my latest Bloomberg column, here is one excerpt: Demand for in-restaurant dining is likely to fall as well, though estimates vary. Since the average small business carries less than a month’s worth of liquid reserves, … Continue reading

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Support your favorite restaurant!

If you wish to support your favorite restaurant, and the American economy at the same time, perhaps consider buying a gift card from them? They get the money now and stay solvent, and you can cash in the card later, … Continue reading

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Relative rates of fraud

About 21% of delivery customers worry the driver may have nibbled their order en route—and with good reason, according to a new study of delivery gripes. Some 28% of drivers say they were unable to resist taking a bite. Here … Continue reading

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Dining out as cultural trade

By Joel Waldfogel, here is the abstract: Perceptions of Anglo-American dominance in movie and music trade motivate restrictions on cultural trade. Yet, the market for another cultural good, food at restaurants, is roughly ten times larger than the markets for … Continue reading

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