The Restaurant Industry Is Sounding the Alarm

The Restaurant Industry Is Sounding the Alarm: This Crisis Is Not Only About Restaurant Owners, but Also About Turkish Tourism

Ergin Yarıcı, the operator of the world-renowned Topkapı Restaurant in Altınkum, Didim, has drawn attention with a comprehensive statement regarding the economic difficulties currently affecting the restaurant industry.

Yarıcı emphasized that the challenges facing the sector are not limited to restaurant operators alone but are directly impacting many areas of the national economy, from tourism to employment. He stressed that the current crisis must be understood and evaluated correctly.

Yarıcı stated:

"Today, the restaurant industry is experiencing one of the most challenging periods in its history. In recent months, I have spoken with many restaurant owners operating in different regions, and they all point to the same reality. Rising costs, declining profitability, and deteriorating cash flow have become common problems affecting the entire industry, rather than just a handful of businesses.

Unfortunately, public perception suggests that all these difficulties are simply the result of high menu prices. Of course, there are businesses that take advantage of the situation, and they damage both consumers and the reputation of our industry. However, it is unfair to place thousands of honest business owners in the same category because of a few bad examples.

Today, the price of a meal is determined by much more than what is served on the plate. Rent, employee salaries, social security contributions, electricity, water, natural gas, taxes, POS commission fees, supply costs, and dozens of other operating expenses place an enormous financial burden on restaurant businesses.

One of the industry's most significant challenges is the Value Added Tax (VAT) system. Restaurants purchase many food products with a 1% VAT rate but are required to charge customers a 10% VAT rate on sales. This creates a substantial financing burden and places increasing pressure on cash flow. Many businesses today are struggling simply to survive. Delays in paying employee salaries, suppliers abandoning credit terms and demanding advance payment are among the clearest indicators of the severe financial difficulties facing the sector.

It should not be forgotten that this crisis affects far more than restaurant owners. The restaurant industry provides livelihoods for hundreds of thousands of employees, generates income for thousands of producers and suppliers, and represents one of the cornerstones of Turkish tourism. When restaurants become weaker, tourism, employment, and local economies inevitably suffer as well.

The solution is to firmly penalize opportunistic businesses while supporting honest enterprises that comply with regulations. Permanent reforms—especially regarding VAT—must be introduced to ease the burden on the industry, together with measures that reduce operating costs. A strong tourism industry cannot exist without a strong and sustainable food and beverage sector. This is no longer just an issue for restaurants; it is a shared concern for Turkey's economy and Turkish tourism."

Meanwhile…

Everyone sees the owner...

They applaud the waiters...

They talk about the bartenders...

But when the kitchen door closes, very few people know the struggle taking place inside.

There are chefs who spend long hours working in temperatures of 40–50°C (104–122°F), often without even having the chance to drink a glass of water.

Before a single plate reaches your table, it has been prepared with tremendous effort, craftsmanship, patience, and dedication.

They are not on stage...

They receive no applause...

Yet they deserve the greatest applause of all.

The true heroes of this industry are the chefs and kitchen professionals who work quietly behind the scenes.

At Topkapı Restaurant, our success is built not only on the excellence of our service team but also on the tireless dedication and extraordinary commitment of our kitchen staff, who work day and night with remarkable sacrifice.

We are proud of each and every one of you. Thank you for everything you do.