Gusto
Close to where I work, there’s a small restaurant called Gusto that’s extremely popular. There is only space enough for, I’d guess, about 30-40 people, but there’s a high turnover because you feel like you’re loitering when you’ve finished your lunch, so during the four hours it keeps open on weekdays.
Mattias and I ate there today, and we briefly discussed this. I came to think about whether they might attract fewer people if they’d expand. Perhaps the tinyness is essential for its popularity? With a bigger place, people would stay longer. Also, being so tiny, you feel lucky if you manage to get there in time before the place gets crowded.
It’s interesting with the je ne sais quoi of restaurants and clubs. I can think of several places that have lost their distinctive character as the owners have undertaken very minor changes – with the intent to make things even better. Famous last words: “Well, this place is very popular, perhaps we should move to larger premises?”