A French restaurant at Findlay Market is closing its doors for good.
Annette de Cavel, current owner of the de Cavel Group and the widow of one of Cincinnati’s most celebrated chefs, Jean-Robert de Cavel, announced Friday that she will be closing the French Crust Café & Bistro after this weekend.
The French Crust was founded by Jean-Robert in 2013, first opening as a small cafe on Vine Street in downtown Cincinnati before moving to its current location at the corner of Elm and Elder streets by Findlay Market in 2016. The restaurant was known for its Parisian flair, serving seasonal French breakfast, brunch and lunch dishes.
Jean-Robert passed away in December 2022, five years after a diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma cancer. Annette says the decision to close his restaurant was not easy.
“After Jean-Robert’s passing, I devoted myself to keeping our restaurants alive, as they were part of the dream we built together,” she said in a press release. “French Crust has been filled with laughter, friendships, and countless memories. I am deeply grateful to our loyal customers, our incredible staff, and this community for walking alongside us. Jean-Robert chose Findlay Market for a reason — he loved the relationships, the energy, and the way it brings food lovers together. It always held a special place in his heart, and it was an honor to be part of that tradition.”
French Crust will close after service ends at 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24. The de Cavel Group’s other restaurant, Le Bar à Boeuf in Walnut Hills, will remain open.
“We invite you to join us one last time this weekend for brunch or lunch, to celebrate the spirit of French Crust together,” the restaurant shared on social media. “Merci for the memories — we’ll carry them with us always.”
This article appears in Aug 20 – Sep 2, 2025.
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Dining and Cooking