A longtime French restaurant well regarded for its food and affordability is closing its doors in Denver: Westword reports Le Central says it will close by Sept. 13, and possibly even sooner.
Robert Tournier opened the restaurant at 8th Street and Lincoln Avenue 34 years ago, billing it as "a taste of Provence" at a reasonable price. In an email to his regular customers, Tournier wrote that, "Being 65 and a grandfather with 40+ years in the restaurant business, it is time to stop."
"I realize how lucky I am. I took the chance to open a French restaurant, with no business plan, serving affordable food and wines on Salvation Army chairs, with friendly non-professional service, no dress code, reservation or credit card, and you loved it."
On Le Central's Facebook page, several fans have posted their sadness.
"Please don't do it," one wrote. "I work across the street and you are one of my favorite restaurants," another added.
Reviewers on Google rated Le Central 4.1 out of 5 while Yelp users ranked it 3.5 out of 5.
