A Michelin star chef and restaurateur believes that shifting drinking habits among younger Americans is posing a "real existential threat" to the restaurant industry, where profits are often tied closely to alcohol sales.

David Chang, founder of the restaurant group Momofuku, appeared on a recent episode of the TBPN podcast and pointed to places like Los Angeles where he said younger people are "drinking much less" and it's taking a toll on restaurants' bottom lines.

"The crazy thing is kids just don't drink anymore," Chang said. "Like, kids start, when they start a tab — which is crazy to me — they close it out every time. What is going on?"

"It is hurting small businesses," he added. "... If you look at ... only the blended numbers for most restaurants or beverage sales, I think tha

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