Tulum, Quintana Roo — What was once one of the busiest periods for restaurants and food businesses in Quintana Roo now highlights the severe economic struggles facing much of the state’s gastronomic sector.
While some establishments in Cancún still hope to attract customers during the May 10 Mother’s Day celebrations, the outlook in destinations like Tulum is increasingly dire. Business owners report steep declines in sales, low tourist numbers, and operations barely covering costs.
Restaurateurs say consumer spending has plummeted since early 2025, directly hitting hundreds of businesses that depend on tourism and traditionally strong seasons to stay afloat.
According to industry representatives, neither the holiday season, Christmas festivities, nor recent celebrations have brought the expected economic recovery. Many establishments face high operating expenses, rising utility costs, more expensive supplies, and a steady drop in customers.
In response to the crisis, businesses across several municipalities have turned to aggressive promotions, discounts, live music, and giveaways to draw diners during Mother’s Day. However, they acknowledge that expectations are far from the years when reservations sold out days in advance.
Business owners warn that numerous restaurants are now operating on minimal income. Some have had to cut staff, adjust hours, or completely rethink their operations to avoid closing permanently.
The situation has sparked concern among merchants, who believe the economic slowdown, declining tourism, and rising costs are pushing one of Quintana Roo’s most important sectors into one of its toughest periods in recent years.
Despite the bleak outlook, restaurateurs keep their doors open, hoping local spending will generate some movement over the weekend. Yet many admit that the so-called economic breather of May 10 no longer guarantees the profits the celebration once brought.
