The City Grill Foundation is expanding its activity starting in 2026 by supporting research and education projects developed by the Hospitality Culture Institute, with the goal of providing an open data infrastructure for the entire industry. The initiative aims to support operators and entrepreneurs who cannot afford their own studies, within a Romanian HoReCa sector valued at €7.3 billion in 2024, marked by significant shifts in consumer behavior.
The partnership addresses industry transformations identified by the institute founded in 2017 by Florin Maxim. According to organization data, 50% of consumers report dining out less frequently compared to the previous year, while 77% choose these establishments to socialize with friends or family. These trends directly influence decisions regarding menu design, operating hours, investments, and pricing strategies. Both representatives of the institute and Ramona Popescu, president of the City Grill Foundation, emphasize that transitioning from instinct to robust data-driven decisions is essential for the industry’s maturation.
The foundation was established in May 2024, on the 20th anniversary of the City Grill Group—a company with over 1,000 employees and approximately 20,000 daily customers. The new direction builds on educational efforts initiated through dual education classes for chefs and waiters conducted in partnership with the “Mihai Bravu” Technical College and the City Grill Academy. In parallel, the organization will maintain its strategic social partnerships in 2026: supporting the Youth Center managed by the Metropolis Foundation in collaboration with DGASPC Sector 6 and backing the Generații Bucharest Community Center, developed since 2015 by the Margareta of Romania Royal Foundation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the goal of the partnership between City Grill Foundation and the Hospitality Culture Institute?
The partnership aims to provide open market data infrastructure to support HoReCa operators who lack the resources for proprietary research.
What recent consumer trends have been identified in the market?
According to studies, 50% of consumers dine out less frequently than the previous year, and 77% visit restaurants primarily to socialize.
When was the City Grill Foundation established and what other projects does it run?
The foundation was created in May 2024 and also supports dual education programs for chefs and waiters, alongside partnerships with youth and community centers.