Iconic Swiss and NYC restaurants close as industry crisis deepens in 2026
Two well-known Swiss restaurants have announced their closure in early 2026, joining a growing list of traditional eateries struggling to survive. Rising costs, staff shortages, and shifting dining habits have pushed many long-standing venues out of business. The problem extends beyond cities, with even rural pubs disappearing at an alarming rate.
In New York, the iconic French bistro Café Un Deux Trois shut its doors in January 2026 after 45 years. A favourite near Times Square, it hosted celebrities like Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and former US President Jimmy Carter. Scarlett Johansson was among the first high-profile guests to return after the COVID-19 lockdown, but soaring rents and operational costs eventually made survival impossible.
In Switzerland, the situation is equally dire. Restaurant Paradies in Baden AG, a multi-award-winning establishment, closed abruptly due to severe staff shortages and financial strain. Meanwhile, Restaurant Trübli in Winterthur, led by 31-year-old gastronomer Alex Bindig, will cease operations by the end of 2026. Bindig had transformed the traditional venue into a gourmet destination, earning 16 GaultMillau points, but renovation costs and disputes with the property owners forced the decision. The trend isn’t limited to fine dining. Classic village pubs in regions like Zurich Oberland and eastern Switzerland are vanishing as well. Many owners cite unsustainable expenses, from labour to infrastructure, as the primary reasons for shutting down.
The closures highlight the growing challenges facing both urban bistros and rural pubs. Without intervention, more historic restaurants may disappear, altering local dining cultures. For now, customers and industry experts are watching closely to see if others can weather the storm.
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