Restaurant Openings Outpace Closures in Playa del Carmen, Industry Leader Says

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — Despite some restaurant closures, the dining sector in this popular tourist destination remains dynamic and growing, with new establishments continuing to open, according to a local industry leader.

Manuel García Maldonado, director of the National Chamber of the Restaurant and Seasoned Food Industry (CANIRAC) for the municipality, said that contrary to perceptions of a crisis, restaurant openings are outpacing closures, particularly in tourist zones like Quinta Avenida, where investment interest persists.

“Yes, of course, more have opened than have closed,” García Maldonado stated.

He explained that there are currently projects in the pipeline, including from investors looking to enter the market with new establishments. “I just spoke with a lawyer who wants to register two restaurants that are opening,” he commented.

The CANIRAC leader clarified that many recent closures correspond to internal decisions by business groups rather than a lack of profitability in the destination. He detailed that these groups operate under specific sales targets and, when a business fails to meet those goals, they opt to close it as part of their commercial strategy.

“Those that have closed are not from individual owners, they are from groups… and if they don’t meet their targets, they close them,” he explained.

García Maldonado indicated that this behavior is part of the normal dynamics of the sector, especially in tourist destinations where competition is high and brand turnover is constant. He added that Playa del Carmen continues to be attractive for gastronomic investment due to its tourist flow and sustained demand for services.