The history of the Michelin Stars begins in 1889 with a tire company that distributed guides to their customers with information on hotels and restaurants within Paris, in order to help their customers along their journey. Brothers Andre and Edouard Michelin noticed the popularity of their guides—specifically the restaurant section and decided to start a process of awarding stars to the best ones. This process has developed into what the world knows now to be one of the most prestigious awards a restaurant can be given.

According to the Michelin guide, a maximum of three stars can be given out to an individual restaurant. Each star represents a different level of achievement creating a hierarchy that distinguishes restaurants by their innovation, consistency, and quality of dining experience. As of  2024, only 144 restaurants worldwide hold the title of a three-star restaurant in the Michelin Guide. The rarity and allure of being on the Michelin guide and receiving their stars is what many restauranteurs strive for in order to have their craft and business be included within the list of greats. 

The Michelin guide states that any restaurant is able to be included in their guide. In order to be included, they must first ask the guide for permission, and only after being selected to be on the guide can they be assessed for a star. In the past, only formal restaurants were considered for the stars but in present times the guide has expanded to include restaurants of all styles and cuisines. They also appreciate when a chef does not cater to the stars but instead loves and focuses on their craft, having the star be an acknowledgment of their hard work and talent.

To receive their first star, restaurants must display their use of “top quality ingredients, where dishes with distinct flavors are prepared to a consistently high standard.” Michelin Guide Anonymous inspectors are sent by Michelin to eat at the restaurants multiple times to test the consistency of the food. This step is very important in being able to receive a star. If a restaurant is unable to prove its excellence in a frequent manner they can be taken out of the running for a star. Stars have also been taken away from restaurants due to this lack of consistency. After this has been showcased then a group of inspectors will decide if the restaurant should receive a star or not. The process of receiving the second and third star is similar but requires a higher level of culinary execution. Based on the the Guide:

“Two MICHELIN Stars are awarded when the personality and talent of the chef are evident in their expertly crafted dishes; their food is refined and inspired.”

“Three MICHELIN Stars is our highest award, given for the superlative cooking of chefs at the peak of their profession; their cooking is elevated to an art form and some of their dishes are destined to become classics.”

The prestige of having Michelin stars means that a restaurant has reached the pinnacle of culinary excellence. This rare achievement elevates the restaurant to an elite level which ultimately helps attract international recognition and makes it a must-visit destination for foodies worldwide.

Receiving a Michelin star can significantly boost a restaurant’s business. The star transforms restaurants from local favorites to internationally recognized spots. The prestige of the star is what attracts foodies, tourists, and critics globally. For smaller restaurants this can be a major boost in sales, allowing for them to further grow their business. This influx of customers can financially provide the restaurant room to expand its menus, reinvent the dining environment, or raise prices. The Michelin Star serves as a marketing tool for these restaurants to help them solidify their place in the culinary world. The Michelin Guide’s history and reputation make it a trusted source for people worldwide. Customers know that when visiting a Michelin-starred restaurant they can be guaranteed an extraordinary meal and an equal dining experience. This guarantee of quality and consistency from the Guide is what makes the Michelin star so impactful in helping restaurants further their business goals.

 After receiving their stars, restaurants can find it difficult to maintain the standards set by the Michelin Guide. While the stars bring added recognition, they also add pressure for restaurants to perform within the Michelin standard. The Michelin Guide is known for its strict criteria, and failure to meet these standards can result in the loss of a star. When a restaurant is seen as lacking in consistency or quality, the Guide can strip them of their title. This can lead to a decline in customers and a loss in revenue for the restaurant. The constant pressure can be a source of anxiety for chefs and staff due to them having to continuously meet the expectations of the Michelin Guide. This added pressure can be well worth it when you take into account the countless benefits that come with being a Michelin-acknowledged restaurant.

The star's presence internationally has helped make the food scene in different cities worldwide gain global recognition. Canada is one of the many countries whose food scene has greatly benefited from the presence of the Michelin guide. Cities like Toronto and Vancouver have seen the guide help local chefs and restaurateurs be able to be acknowledged for their craft and see an influx of people coming in from all over the world to try their food. The Michelin Guide's impact on how people view a restaurant can majorly help a city be known for its cuisine. More and more cities in Canada such as Montreal are working to be included under the framework of the Michelin Guide. The influence the stars hold is undeniable and for local chefs, this star can be the penultimate achievement.

What once started as a simple travel guide by the Michelin tire company has since developed into the world's most prestigious culinary symbol. The Michelin Guide has been for decades, where people from around the world go to find the highest quality cuisines near them. Chefs and restaurateurs globally know the profitability that comes from being awarded the star. This symbol has helped many businesses grow and catapulted the food scene in various cities to be globally recognized. Even though the pressure of maintaining such recognition is tough the end results of this hard work are undeniably worth it. Cities striving for a place in the guide demonstrate the impact that such trusted sources can have culturally and economically in our societies. After a century since its creation, the Michelin Guide continues to serve as the ultimate celebration of exceptional cuisine and a benchmark for culinary excellence. The star is more than just an award and is a testament to the worldwide love of good food.