Guide Michelin
The news that Michelin is leaving Russia has caused cries that we can do without their restaurants.
Michelin does not have restaurants; they make automobile and aircraft tires. Since 1904, they have been publishing a guide for motorists, purely for advertising purposes, that is to sell tires, it is called Guide Michelin. The guide lists decent places to eat and awards stars to outstanding establishments. Over time the publication has grown into a separate annual restaurant guide. Michelin’s share of the Russian tire market will be instantly taken over by domestic tire makers and manufacturers from China. The loss of the restaurant guide though may be a heavier blow.