Chef World: Michelin, 50 Best and Restaurant Openings — 2026-09-11
The culinary world is reeling from the announcement that Bruno Verjus will close his two-Michelin-starred Parisian institution, *Table*, citing the end of the traditional fine dining model. Meanwhile, Michelin’s expansion into new US regions continues with the imminent release of the 2026 Colorado Guide, while major UK and US restaurant chains face significant closures due to rising operational costs.
Chef World: Michelin, 50 Best and Restaurant Openings — 2026-09-11
Top developments
Bruno Verjus closes two-Michelin-starred Table in Paris
In a move that has shocked the global gastronomy scene, Chef Bruno Verjus announced via Instagram that his Parisian restaurant Table will close permanently on December 22, 2026. Ranked 8th in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants and holding two Michelin stars for five years, Verjus cited a philosophical shift, stating "fine dining is dead" and expressing discomfort with the exclusivity and high prices (up to €480 per menu) associated with his current model. The closure marks the end of a 13-year chapter in haute cuisine and signals a potential pivot toward more accessible dining concepts for the chef.
Michelin Guide Colorado 2026 selections revealed Monday
Michelin is set to announce its first-ever Colorado guide on Monday, September 14, 2026. This release is critical as it expands the Michelin footprint in the American West following the recent Southwest guide debut. The guide will introduce new stars, Bib Gourmands, and recommendations, potentially reshaping Denver’s dining hierarchy and attracting international tourism to the region’s emerging culinary scene. The announcement comes amid broader scrutiny of Michelin’s inspector capacity, but Colorado remains a key market for the guide’s North American strategy.
Major UK pub chain closes all 106 sites
In a significant blow to the UK hospitality sector, a major pub chain announced the permanent closure of all 106 remaining UK restaurants, with final closures occurring on Thursday, September 10, 2026. The chain, which had operated for 52 years, cited unsustainable financial pressures as the primary driver for the shutdown. This event underscores the severe impact of rising costs and changing consumer habits on established dining institutions across Europe.
Red Lobster continues US closures post-bankruptcy
Red Lobster continues to shutter locations across the United States as it works to rebuild its business following bankruptcy proceedings. The chain has already closed dozens of locations this year, and further closures are ongoing as it attempts to strengthen its remaining footprint. These moves reflect a broader trend of consolidation and downsizing among casual dining chains struggling with inflation and labor costs.
Local view
France: French media is deeply engaged with the closure of Table, framing it as a symbolic end to an era of elitist gastronomy. Le Figaro noted Verjus’s "sudden discovery of a social fiber," contrasting his previous €480 menus with his new desire to "feed clients differently". Meanwhile, Purepeople reported that fellow star chef Anne-Sophie Pic is also pivoting, announcing a new address in Paris following the closure of her own historic restaurant, suggesting a wider trend among top French chefs to reinvent their business models.
USA: In Fort Worth, Texas, anticipation is building for the upcoming 2026 Michelin Guide Texas selections. Local outlets highlight celebrity chefs opening new venues near Southside, aiming to capture Michelin stars before the guide's official release.
Context & numbers
- Table Closure Date: December 22, 2026
- Michelin Colorado Announcement: September 14, 2026
- UK Pub Chain Closures: 106 sites closed by September 10, 2026
- Michelin Toronto Ceremony: Scheduled for September 22, 2026
On the radar
- Michelin Toronto & Region: The 2026 selection for Toronto and surrounding areas will be revealed on September 22 at the Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex.
- Michelin American South: The reveal ceremony for the 2026 Guide to the American South is scheduled for October 21 in Nashville.
- NYC Fall Openings: Grub Street highlights a wave of new openings in New York City for fall 2026, including reincarnated pizzerias and wine bars, signaling resilience in the NYC dining scene despite national closures.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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