Rant: Give Respect & Attention To Older Restaurants

Next Monday, Prince Pizzeria will celebrate its 65th Anniversary, a significant achievement. However, when's the last time you saw a review of this restaurant in the print media? At best, you'll see some consumer reviews on social media, commonly on the restaurant's Facebook page, and maybe a few blogs might also discuss the restaurant. For myself, later this week, I'll be posting a History of Prince Pizzeria, showcasing highlights from its origins to today. 

I believe this restaurant, and many other older restaurants, especially those who have been around for 20+ years, don't get sufficient attention from the press. As I've said before, new restaurants get the lion's share of publicity from food writers, reviewers and on social media. There's often a frenzy to be one of the first to review a new restaurant, and with so many restaurants opening all the time, writers don't lack for material. However, that means they give little, if any, attention to restaurants that have been open for many years.

That should change! Older restaurants deserve more respect and attention. 

I've written about this issue before, as far back as 2014, and it's an issue that should be raised time and time again, to continue to bring attention to this matter, as a regular reminder to people. Many older restaurants were reviewed years ago but often haven't received an updated review in a very long time, if at all. During those years, so much can change, sometimes for the positive and sometimes for the negative. Consumers shouldn't have to rely on a 10 year old review to judge a restaurant. Some of these older restaurants are worthy of a new review, to ensure people know that it remains a quality restaurant.

These restaurants have survived so long for a reason and they should receive additional attention from time to time, to ensure people don't forget them. Every month, a significant number of restaurants close, indicative of the toughness of the restaurant industry. Each year a restaurant survives is a significant achievement. Those that can survive the test of time often deserve our respect and attention, and we need to ensure they are not forgotten. They need to be supported by our patronage. 

As an example, consider Route 1, which has seen many changes over the years. The Continental Restaurant recently closed after 72 years in business. The Kowloon Restaurant, which was established in 1958, may either close or significantly downsize in the near future. Prince Pizzeria remains one of the last older restaurants, and it seems poised to continue for years to come.   

We need to write more about older restaurants, to continue to highlight their quality. Any worthy writer can find an angle concerning these older restaurants. Don't just be dazzled by the new, restaurants that might not even survive a year. As consumers, we also need to dine at these worthy older places, to give them our financial support.

Which older restaurants do you believe are worthy of more respect and attention?