After 34 Years, Le Central Is Closing

Le Central, the French restaurant that occupied a house on the corner of Lincoln and 8th for 34 years, will close its doors in less than two weeks. After over 40 years in the restaurant business, owner Robert Tournier is taking a much deserved retirement.

He shared the news of the shutter with fans of his establishment in a newsletter that went out yesterday. Here's what he had to say.

Bonjour,
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

If you're dying for that last bowl of mussels, head over to Le Central soon. In true French style, the restaurant is reserving the right to close sooner than the announced date.