family-run bistro

Meaning

A small, casual restaurant or cafe that is owned and operated by members of the same family. It typically serves simple, hearty, local dishes in a cozy, intimate atmosphere, contrasting with large corporate chains.

Examples

• We found a charming family-run bistro tucked away in a quiet alley.

  We found a charming family-run bistro tucked away in a quiet alley.

• The food at this family-run bistro is incredibly authentic because the grandmother does the cooking.

  The food at this family-run bistro is incredibly authentic because the grandmother does the cooking.

• I always try to support a local family-run bistro rather than eating at a massive chain restaurant.

  I always try to support a local family-run bistro rather than eating at a massive chain restaurant.

• They serve daily specials at this family-run bistro, depending on what is fresh at the market.

  They serve daily specials at this family-run bistro, depending on what is fresh at the market.

• The warm hospitality at that family-run bistro made us feel right at home.

  The warm hospitality at that family-run bistro made us feel right at home.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ We ate at a family-running bistro.

  ✓ We ate at a family-run bistro.

  Family-run is a past participle compound adjective meaning run by a family. Family-running is grammatically incorrect here.

• ✗ It is a family-runned bistro.

  ✓ It is a family-run bistro.

  Run is an irregular verb (run-ran-run). The past participle is run, not runned.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Instead of a chain, we had dinner at a cozy ___ near our hotel.

  💡 A small, family-owned restaurant.

  Show answer

  family-run bistro

• The service at a ___ is often much warmer and more personal.

  💡 An intimate dining spot operated by relatives.

  Show answer

  family-run bistro