Even earning one of the food industry’s highest honors isn’t always enough to guarantee success.
A celebrated Michelin-starred restaurant in Texas has announced it will permanently close this month, with its chef pointing to the increasingly difficult economics of operating a fine dining establishment.
Olamaie to serve its final meals
Olamaie, the acclaimed Southern restaurant in Austin, planned to close on July 19 after nearly 12 years in business. Opened in 2014 by chef-owner Michael Fojtasek, the restaurant became one of Austin’s first Michelin-starred establishments when the Texas Michelin Guide debuted in 2024. It retained its star the following year and earned national recognition for its modern take on Southern cuisine.
In a farewell message shared by the restaurant, the team thanked guests, employees and the Austin community for supporting the restaurant throughout its run.
Rising costs outweighed critical acclaim
Despite its prestigious Michelin recognition, Fojtasek said the restaurant faced mounting financial challenges that ultimately proved too difficult to overcome…