Cancun’s Restaurant Crisis: 15 Closures Loom

Cancun, Mexico — The restaurant sector in Cancun is forecasting closures due to low customer traffic and rising costs, with the National Chamber of the Restaurant and Food Seasoning Industry (Canirac) alerting to the risks facing local establishments.

With patronage down between 15 and 20 percent compared to 2024, the restaurant sector in Cancun anticipates that September and October will be particularly difficult months. The low season is causing a decline of at least 30 percent in restaurant patrons, attributed to expenses many families are facing for the purchase of school supplies and uniforms with the return to classes.

According to a survey conducted among members of the Canirac in Cancun, small food establishments in the city center could close their doors during this low season, with some not expected to survive until December, stated the gastronomic leader, Julio Villareal Zapata.

"This two-month period will be difficult; however, there is some hope for September 15 during the celebration of the national holidays, but it falls on a Monday," he said.

How is the Low Season Affecting Restaurants?

Villareal Zapata explained that this year is quite atypical compared to previous ones, primarily due to global uncertainty and tariff pressure from the neighboring country.

"The vacation seasons did not meet expectations, and a significant decrease in North American tourists to Cancun is being perceived," he affirmed.

The businessman said that for several members, it is very difficult to continue operating, noting the additional challenge presented by the 40-hour labor reform.

"We are working with the authorities to sensitize the federal government and influence them so that the 40-hour labor law does not affect the gastronomic sector of Cancun," he said.

He reported that at least 10 to 15 members, due to low sales, may not make it to next December and prefer to close officially, though they might continue operating informally.

"This is not beneficial for the Treasury authorities, for the workers themselves because they will not receive benefits, nor for the entrepreneurs who continue formally, paying their taxes," he concluded.