Buzz
Weekends often inspire people to take a break from cooking and enjoy meals out. With unlimited refills, no cleanup, and the luxury of being served, dining out becomes a treat.
However, those hoping to kick off their week with a restaurant meal might find themselves disappointed. Many independent eateries display a 'Closed' sign on Mondays, a tradition that predates the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on business operations. What drives this decision?
The primary reason is that operating on Mondays is rarely profitable.
In the restaurant industry, Mondays have historically been the least busy day. Though no comprehensive studies exist, this trend likely stems from people treating themselves from Thursday to Sunday, reserving weekends for indulgent meals and fine wines at upscale dining spots or through delivery services.
This hasn't always been the norm. Depending on the time period or location, some restaurants have—and still do—remain open on Mondays to eke out a modest profit and avoid perceptions of struggling. Others might innovate by hosting events like art shows or offering BYOB deals to attract more customers.
Although there are strategies to improve Monday profitability, it's not the sole reason restaurateurs choose to close. Many small, locally-owned restaurants operate with limited staff, so shutting down on a slow day provides much-needed rest for employees and reduces the need to hire additional part-time workers.
Chain restaurants, with their larger workforce, don’t face the same challenges and typically stay open every day. These establishments are also often driven by shareholder expectations for maximum profitability, a pressure small business owners usually don’t experience.
Customers might actually benefit from restaurants closing early in the week. With many establishments not receiving fresh deliveries over the weekend, Monday’s menu items could rely on ingredients stored since Friday. The late chef Anthony Bourdain famously warned against ordering fish on Mondays, citing the risk of it being leftovers from the previous week. However, he later revised this advice, noting that the industry had changed since he first shared this tip in 1999.
Even if your go-to restaurant is open on Mondays, there’s another reason to reconsider dining out. Some establishments use this quiet day to train new managers, servers, or chefs, meaning customers might not experience the highest level of service when the dining room is nearly empty.
Ultimately, a highly-regarded restaurant earns its owners some flexibility. While a locked door on Monday might frustrate patrons, exceptional food will likely have them returning by Tuesday.
