CINCINNATI (WXIX) – A little bit of Paris is leaving Findlay Market when French Crust Cafe & Bistro shuts down at 4 p.m. Sunday.
Customers are encouraged to visit through the weekend to enjoy one last brunch or lunch.
The café opens at 9:00 a.m. and the bistro will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at 1801 Elm St.
It sits just across the street from Findlay Market.
Reservations can be made by calling 513-455-3720 or through OpenTable.
A little bit of Paris is leaving Findlay Market when French Crust Cafe & Bistro shuts down at 4 p.m. Sunday.(The Enquirer/Liz Dufour)
Founded by the late Chef Jean-Robert de Cavel, French Crust first opened as a small café on Vine Street in October 2013 before expanding into its full café and bistro at Findlay Market in October 2016.
For more than a decade, it has been a cornerstone of weekend brunches and everyday lunches.
Inspired by Parisian cafés, French Crust quickly became a neighborhood favorite, and an extension of the love and vision Jean-Robert and his wife Annette poured into their restaurants.
“This was not an easy decision,” said Annette de Cavel, owner of the deCavel Group, in a news release Friday morning.
“After Jean-Robert’s passing, I devoted myself to keeping our restaurants alive, as they were part of the dream we built together. 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.”
While French Crust is closing, Le Bar à Boeuf will remain open in East Walnut Hills.
“We invite everyone who has loved French Crust to join us there – whether it’s for a special dinner, a glass of wine, or simply to continue celebrating the spirit of what Jean-Robert created,” Annette de Cavel said.
The deCavel Group also expresses gratitude to its dedicated employees, she said, who have given their talents and passion to French Crust, as well as the loyal patrons who have made the café a part of their lives.
“Findlay Market has so loved having French Crust in the neighborhood,” said Kelly Lanser, president and chief executive officer of Findlay Market,
“JR was a staple at the Market for so many years – he participated in our annual fundraiser, purchased products from our merchants, and was a fan favorite every year in the Findlay Market Opening Day Parade.
“Annette and the entire team has done a lovely job keeping his legacy alive. We wish them nothing but the best and thank them for all that they have done for our city.”
Lanser said they look forward to supporting 3CDC in their efforts to find a new tenant in the space.
“There are very, very big shoes to fill,” she acknowledged, “but we look forward to seeing the next generation of business in 1801 Elm.”
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Dining and Cooking