The company behind Tapio, the world’s northernmost Michelin-starred restaurant, has declared Tapio Michelin bankruptcy in Finland. This significant development marks the formal closure of GSTQ North Oy, the firm that operated the acclaimed eatery.
In June, GSTQ North Oy submitted its bankruptcy petition to the Oulu District Court, which quickly approved the filing that same month, confirming the company’s dissolution. The news follows Tapio’s earlier closure in May, situated in the picturesque Ruka resort area of Kuusamo.
Owners Johanna Mourujärvi and Connor Laybourne had announced the restaurant’s initial closure via their Instagram account, citing the arrival of a child as the reason for stepping away. The couple had uniquely managed the fine-dining establishment entirely on their own, without any additional staff. With a mere 18 seats, Tapio earned its Michelin star in 2023, garnering international praise for its distinctive remote location and its dedication to a small-scale, deeply seasonal culinary approach.
Tapio’s Michelin star was a landmark achievement in Nordic gastronomy, marking it as the northernmost establishment ever to receive such an honor from the Michelin Guide. Despite the international acclaim, the business deliberately maintained its modest size and minimalist staffing model. This structure relied entirely on the two owners’ tireless efforts, as they personally handled all kitchen duties, service, and daily operations.
Following their initial announcement of a temporary closure in May, there were no public indicators of financial difficulties. The bankruptcy application therefore came as the first official sign that the business would not resume under its existing structure. As of now, no details have been released regarding outstanding debts or the full extent of the company’s financial liabilities. The owners have not yet issued a statement addressing the bankruptcy.
The restaurant had consistently drawn a diverse clientele, including both local patrons and international tourists eager to experience its unique place in the Arctic culinary landscape. Tapio received features in numerous international travel publications, consistently highlighted for its remote setting and its distinctively minimalist service concept.
With Tapio’s closure, Finland no longer holds the distinction of hosting the Michelin Guide’s northernmost restaurant. This loss also reduces the number of Michelin-starred venues within Finnish Lapland, a region actively striving to boost gastronomic tourism alongside its renowned winter sports and wilderness adventures.
The Finnish newspaper Kaleva was the first to report on this case.
