Restaurant attendance in Russia has fallen to a 25-year low
The start of 2026 marked the worst period for Russia’s restaurant industry in the past 25 years due to a sharp decline in customer traffic.
According to the publication Kommersant, traffic at some restaurants fell by 40%, and the total number of receipts nationwide from January 1 to March 23 decreased by 3% compared to last year. The most significant decline was recorded in major cities; specifically, the figure dropped by 12% in Moscow and by 8% in St. Petersburg.
Representatives of major chains such as Teremok, Wokker, and Gagawa confirm a customer loss ranging from 6% to 20%. Alongside the loss of patrons, there has been a reduction in the number of establishments themselves: in cities with populations over one million, the number of restaurants decreased by 5%, bars by 11%, and cafes by 6%. Experts attribute the industry’s crisis to the rising tax burden at all stages of production and supply, the decline in real household incomes amid rising prices, and increased competition from retailers offering prepared meals and delivery services. Even in the fast-food segment, there has been a decline in visit frequency and average order value.
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