Sad farewells are already appearing on Le Central's Facebook page, where one fan posted a photo of her wedding reception at the restaurant, saying, "We love you! Thank you for all of the memories. We have had so many wonderful meals here."
In an e-mail to regulars, Tournier puts the sad last day as September 13, but warns that "we may decide to close earlier" — so there's not a moment to waste if you want to stop in for one last bowl of moules and frites, and to bid Tournier and his crew adieu. Here's that e-mail:
Bonjour,Et merci a vous, Le Central.
It has been a great opportunity and pleasure to serve Denver for 34 years. I want to thank you for your patronage. To raise a loving family and run a successful restaurant in Colorado was a rare privilege. 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.
I am very grateful; I could not have done it without an incredible staff and your willingness to try something different. I am glad to be part of your (mostly) good memories, and to have been the stage of so many dates and celebrations
Being 65 and a grandfather with 40+ years in the restaurant business (1 restaurateur year = 3 human years) it is time to stop, the 13 of September should be the last day but keep in touch, we may decide to close earlier.
Merci
Robert Tournier
