Chef Ljubomir is left without a Michelin star and thousands of euros: “I lost employees who run away when a star is lost”

Chef Ljubomir Stanisic.

The loss of the Michelin star drastically changed Ljubomir Stanisic’s professional path. The chef, who for years enjoyed strong media exposure and a restaurant with high recognition, saw 2025 begin with profound changes. According to the news portal Flash, the departure of 100 Maneiras from this restricted gastronomic universe triggered an abrupt drop in monthly revenues and forced internal cuts.

The chef himself admitted that the loss of distinction led to a reduction of around 40% in turnover and that he has not been able to reach the financial break-even point at the end of each month. The challenge now forces him to adjust concepts and look for new ways to attract customers, in an effort that he describes as an attempt to survive.

Aftermath of a Lost Star

The ratings drop coincided with a fragile domestic environment. Some employees left the restaurant after the loss of the star, a situation that Ljubomir interprets as a lack of loyalty, despite ensuring that he maintained the same level of work. “I lost some employees who run away when a star is lost, who are not loyal”, said the chef in an interview with the Observador newspaper. The publication adds that the chef rejects the idea that the quality of 100 Maneiras has decreased, attributing Michelin’s decision to the impact of public statements made previously.

Even before the annual award, several colleagues warned him about the possibility of losing the distinction. Despite this, Ljubomir expressed his intention to regain the Michelin seal, but insists that he will do so only on his own merit and without resorting to what he considers to be influence strategies.

Court, television and unpaid bills

The financial situation became even more complex with the end of the television contract he had with SIC. This bond represented a monthly income of 15,000 euros, an amount that has now disappeared from the chef’s budget. The same channel claims more than 1,200,000 euros in a dispute related to the transfer of Ljubomir to the competition, a process whose outcome is not yet public.

According to the same source, the accumulated impact of these breaks takes us back to old memories. The chef’s career includes challenging moments, such as the bankruptcy of the first 100 Maneiras, in Cascais, more than a decade ago. At that time, a partnership with José Avillez ended after eight months, with professional differences dictating the separation.

Memories of a turbulent beginning

The past also includes large debts. In statements recalled by the publication, the chef said that he was responsible for the space and a significant debt, at a time when he lost a large part of his circle of friends. Despite this, he invested again in the business and introduced improvements that would eventually lead to the subsequent achievement of the Michelin star, now lost.

According to , the chef’s goal is to return to that level. With new projects and ideas for 100 Maneiras, Ljubomir seeks to regain stability and distinction. The recent journey reveals cuts, adaptations and continuous financial pressure, but also the conviction that the path back can be traced with constant work.

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