For years, Texans were hungry for Michelin to send its food inspectors to the state. When the Texas Michelin Guide finally arrived, many thought it would give the state’s restaurant scene a major boost.
And it certainly has, but that bump hasn’t been universal. In the two years since the Michelin Guide made its inaugural debut in 2024, several restaurants that got into the vaunted book have either closed or changed formats. A selection/recommendation, a Bib Gourmand and a Michelin Star can bring varying levels of attention, prestige and foot traffic. But they can’t seem to futureproof restaurants from the challenges already present in the industry.
The first in the wave of closures came one day after the first-ever Texas guide dropped. In a surprising twist, Houston’s Kâu Ba‘s closure was confirmed the morning after the 2024 Texas Michelin Guide ceremony in which it had won a Bib Gourmand. The week prior, a temporary closure was announced for renovations and a “brand new dining experience.” But a press release for its replacement revealed it’d been closed weeks prior.
Then in January 2025, Austin’s Con Todo, a food truck honored with a Michelin designation, permanently closed. As reported by Austin-American Statesman, chef Joseph Gomez made the difficult decision to focus on new projects, including his continued championing of migrant workers’ rights. In August, another Austin designation pick, dipdipdip Tatsu-Ya reportedly closed after six years for the owners to open a new concept in the same space.
The following year has brought on even more closures. In February, fine dining restaurant Pasta|Bar closed in Austin for the chefs to develop a new concept that Chefs Phillip Frankland Lee said he’s been “dreaming up for 10 years.” That has yet to open.
A month later in Dallas, Michelin designation recipient Rye closed for its sister cocktail bar concept, Apothecary, to take over, according to CultureMap Dallas. Then in May, Austin lost Maie Day as part of South Congress Hotel’s closure to renovations and rebranding.
In July, one of Texas’ first Michelin Star restaurants, Olamaie, closed after 12 years in business. The owners cited rising labor costs, a tough market, and slow summer months. Chef-owner Michael Fojtasek said that the Michelin star did bring a boost in business, but it only lasted about eight months.
And this week, Houston’s Late August announced that it’s already stopped dinner service after, transitioning to event services and private catering through the end of the year. Similarly, the decision was made in part for its team to put “energy behind the next chapter for Lucille’s Hospitality Group” and another new concept.
That also doesn’t include two other Michelin-recognized restaurants which have been temporarily closed, Hidden Omakase and Neo in Houston.
Despite their different circumstances, these restaurants share a common thread: Michelin recognition did not shield them from the issues facing the broader restaurant industry, such as operating costs and inflation impacts on top of the pressure to cater to the ever-evolving consumer habits.
As seen in many restaurants in the state and across the globe, Michelin recognition can provide valuable attention, credibility and—at least temporarily—open the doors for more diners. But if Texas’ recent Michelin closures have proved anything, it is that the restaurant industry is becoming increasingly difficult to survive in, regardless of how much recognition a restaurant receives.