Rising costs have been strangling restaurant owners in recent years. Following the pandemic, the war in Ukraine triggered an inflationary spiral that led to a drop in demand, spelling the end for many businesses. Now, losses from early-year storms and price hikes caused by the Middle East conflict are adding to the burden. Ana Jacinto, Secretary-General of AHRESP, warns that restaurants are 'surviving' but are reaching 'the end of the line,' urging the government to provide more structural support to a sector that is a key engine of the Portuguese economy.