It is a black calendar for catering, including for starred chefs. After two months of containment caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, French restaurateurs are trying to keep their heads above water despite nine weeks of closure. On Thursday May 28, 2020, Prime Minister Edouard Philippe announced the gradual reopening of restaurants but for some, this good news will not erase the debts generated in recent weeks. The presenter of Kitchen nightmare, Philippe Etchebest, also sounded the alarm after learning of the suicide of two of his colleagues. Despite an intense telephone conversation with the President of the Republic, the Meilleur Ouvrier de France remained very pessimistic. Hélène Darroze, member of the jury of Top chef, has also established the same observation in the columns of Society.
"If the customers aren't there, it's going to be dramatic"
Asked about her financial situation, Laeticia Hallyday's best friend did not try to embellish reality. Without blushing, the chief claimed to be in debt "to the neck" despite the income of Top chef : "I will tell you right away: I used this income a lot in my last investments. " In addition, Hélène Darroze, known for her outspokenness, does not consider her presence in Top chef as a reliable salary: "Top Chef is also, and above all, visibility. And alongside, image contracts, advertising, external services. For example, cooking abroad for major jewelry brands, signing the log of Picard Christmas or working on a line of pans. "
In the current context, Hélène Darroze is also and above all apprehensive about the reopening of her establishments. After eight weeks of closure, what will happen to the clientele? How to adapt sanitary rules to tight spaces? "Will we have to wear masks, will the customers also? I don't know. If the customers aren't here, it's going to be dramatic", entrusted the chief to the magazine Society. Answer on June 2.
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