Where Does Michelin Star Get Its Name?

Michelin stars are one of the most sought after symbols for a successful restaurant. They are respected and have become a worldwide symbol for excellence in restaurant cuisine. But where did Michelin stars get their name?

The Michelin star is named after the Michelin brothers, Edouard and Andre. They established the Michelin Tire Company in 1889 and began producing rubber tires.

During their travels around France, they noticed that many of the roads were poorly maintained and recognized a need for better road maps to help travelers find their way. In 1900, they published their first road map guide, The Michelin Guide.

The guide was initially free but eventually switched to a paid subscription in 1910. As part of the guide, they began awarding restaurants with stars based on their quality of food and service. Initially, it was just one star but over time they increased it to three.

In 1926, André Michelin introduced the world’s first “Michelin Man” mascot – a figure made out of stacked tires wearing a hat and cape – to promote the Michelin brand.

Today, Michelin stars are considered one of the highest accolades any restaurant can receive and remain highly sought after by restaurateurs across the world.

The name has since become synonymous with quality cuisine and is recognized globally as an indicator of culinary excellence. The prestige associated with earning a Michelin star continues to drive chefs to strive for perfection in their cooking.

In conclusion, it is clear that the name ‘Michelin Star’ comes from its founders – Edouard and Andre Michelin – who established it through their company’s travel guide back in 1900 as part of its paid subscription service. Since then, it has been used as an indicator of culinary excellence around the world.