Ya, but the the main reason is because many of the patrons are willing to overpay(donate) to help a restaurant they have loved for years help stay in business. This is the exception not the rule. A favorite restaurant of mine closed recently. I would have probably done the same for a while but I don't think I would do it forever. I think this will be the case with this restaurant. Living off people's kindness does not work as a business model.

8 years is a long time so there's another reason why this restaurant stays in business. At first sight it seems like it's the affluent patrons they attract. It might be something like tipping, people are willing to pay a lot if they feel well treated and important.