Heraklion's food service businesses are struggling on March 25th, Greece's Independence Day, with restaurants reporting weak market conditions and turning heavily to delivery services to maintain revenue. Maria Antonakaki, President of the Food Service and Entertainment Association of Heraklion, issued a stark warning: "We have testimonies from colleagues who are seriously considering abandoning the food service business."
The visible downturn during what should be a strong trading day has sparked what many are calling a "cry of distress" from the hospitality sector. The reliance on delivery services as a lifeline highlights the structural challenges facing Heraklion's restaurant industry, with business owners warning that without improvement, many more may exit the sector entirely.