Curse of the Michelin star? Award may lead to increased rent in Hong Kong
Restaurateurs fear the often-revered accolade may give landlords reason to increase rent and ultimately put them out of business
A Michelin recommendation, one of the highest accolades in catering, is usually seen as a boon for recipients. But some cheaper Hong Kong restaurants honoured in the French guide's latest edition fear there could be a downside.
With rents already hard to afford, they hope landlords will not use the awards as an excuse to push them even higher.
Pang Pak-sheung said that when he learned that Pang's Kitchen, his Cantonese restaurant in Happy Valley, had received one star in the 2013 Michelin Guide, his reaction was, "Keep me out of this".
"Rent has already doubled compared to 10 years ago when I started this restaurant here," Pang said. "If it goes up again, I may as well just retire."
His restaurant, which can seat 40 people, charges about HK$100 for signature dishes such as sweet and sour pork with strawberry.
He said the restaurant was already very full throughout the week and might not be able handle more people attracted to it by the star.
Pang said he wanted to open another branch but the high rent, rising food costs and staff salaries made it impracticable.