Michelin’s first economic effects: Restaurants add jobs and trading days

New Zealand’s first Michelin stars are beginning to produce effects beyond fuller dining rooms. Restaurants say the awards have started to support extra jobs, longer trading hours and more spending with suppliers.

Michelin awarded stars to 15 restaurants across Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown at a lavish ceremony at the end of June.

Two months later, the restaurants are reporting that the recognition is beginning to affect their wider operations, including staffing, opening hours and relationships with suppliers.