restaurateur: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, business, culinary journalism
Quick answer
What does “restaurateur” mean?
A person who owns and manages a restaurant.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who owns and manages a restaurant.
A professional who oversees the business, culinary, and service aspects of a restaurant establishment; often implies a hands-on role in creation and management, distinct from a mere investor.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The spelling 'restaurateur' (without 'n') is standard in both varieties. The misspelling 'restauranteur' is common in informal usage, slightly more frequent in AmE.
Connotations
In both, it suggests a higher-end or independent establishment. In BrE, it might slightly more often imply a traditional, long-standing family business.
Frequency
Equally used in professional/formal contexts in both varieties. 'Restaurant owner' is more common in everyday speech.
Grammar
How to Use “restaurateur” in a Sentence
[Adj] restaurateurrestaurateur [V] that...restaurateur [Prep] [Location]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “restaurateur” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He restaurateured (very rare, non-standard) his way to success in London.
American English
- She aims to restaurateur (very rare, non-standard) a sustainable dining concept.
adverb
British English
- (No adverb form)
American English
- (No adverb form)
adjective
British English
- (Not used as a standard adjective) Her restaurateur skills were evident. (Attributive noun use)
American English
- (Not used as a standard adjective) The restaurateur community in the city is tight-knit. (Attributive noun use)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in profiles, industry reports, and investment discussions: 'The restaurateur secured funding for a new venture.'
Academic
Rare; may appear in hospitality management or business studies.
Everyday
Uncommon; 'restaurant owner' is preferred: 'My neighbour is a restaurant owner.'
Technical
Used in culinary arts and hospitality journalism to denote a specific role.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “restaurateur”
- Misspelling as 'restauranteur' (adding an 'n').
- Using it to refer to any restaurant employee.
- Pronouncing /ˌrɛs.təˈrɒn.tər/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the correct spelling is RESTAURATEUR, without an 'n'. 'Restauranteur' is a common misspelling.
A chef is primarily responsible for the kitchen and food. A restaurateur owns and/or manages the entire restaurant business, which may include hiring the chef, finance, design, and service. One person can be both a chef and a restaurateur.
It is less typical. The term usually applies to someone running a full-service restaurant, especially one with a distinct concept or fine dining. 'Cafe owner' or 'fast-food franchisee' would be more precise.
It comes from French 'restaurateur' ('one who restores'), derived from the verb 'restaurer'. The original French meaning was 'restorer of health' and later 'provider of food'. The word entered English in the late 18th century.
A person who owns and manages a restaurant.
Restaurateur is usually formal, business, culinary journalism in register.
Restaurateur: in British English it is pronounced /ˌrɛs.tər.əˈtɜː(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌrɛs.tə.rəˈtɝː/ /ˌrɛs.tɚ.əˈtɝ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specific to this word]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A RESTAURAteur runs the show, while a RESTAURant is the place. He's the 'eur' (like 'entrepreneur') of the 'restaura' (restoration of well-being through food).
Conceptual Metaphor
RESTAURATEUR IS A CONDUCTOR (orchestrating kitchen, service, ambiance).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common error associated with the word 'restaurateur'?