MAISON Bleue, a popular French restaurant in Edinburgh’s historic Old Town is set to close its doors for good, due to the retirement of its founder.
The move marks the end of the line for the eatery, famed for its blend of North African, French, and Scottish cuisine, after 28 years of operation.
The closure is driven primarily by the retirement of restauranteur Dean Gassabi, who founded Maison Bleue in 1998 and has enjoyed a 31-year-long career in the hospitality industry.
In a statement initially shared with The Edinburgh Minute, Gassabi also cited “soaring” operational costs and the “financial pressures” facing the hospitality industry.
Dean Gassabi and daughter Layla, of Maison Bleue restaurants
Gassabi began his career in hospitality in the mid-90s at the Pierre Victoire bistro chain and went on to open restaurants such as Maison Bleue on Victoria Street, Boudoir, Massimo’s, and the Maison Bleue Le Bistrot in Morningside.
Gassabi stressed his pride at having worked with Social Bite to welcome homeless diners at their non-profit social enterprise restaurant, Maison Bleue at Home and on other projects.
Maison Bleue at Home was founded in 2016 and saw the branch work alongside the food-oriented homeless charity to welcome diners once a week.
Maison Bleue’s Morningside branch, which opened in 2016, was forced to close its doors in 2021.
Gassabi offered his thanks to “generations of diners” who had patronised Maison Bleue: “We are overwhelmed with gratitude for the loyalty the people of Edinburgh have shown us, particularly through challenging times like Brexit and the pandemic.”
He added: “This restaurant has been our blood, sweat and tears for nearly three decades, and we’ve been honoured to mark countless special moments with our patrons, from first dates and engagements to family weddings.
“That commitment from our customers is a treasure that will never be lost on us.”
Josh Littlejohn, of Social Bite and Dean Gassabi, owner of the Maison Bleue restaurants, who worked together extensively on the Maison Bleue at Home Restaurant (C) Holyrood PR
Gassabi also insisted that their first priority during the closure process has been the wellbeing of their staff and suppliers.
The restaurant, which is based at 36-38 Victoria Street in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, has set 11 January as its tentative final day of trading.
Following the final closure, the building will undergo a refurbishment, with Slievemore Properties Ltd expected to reconstitute and reopen the site in June.
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Dining and Cooking