Ludo Lefebvre

As the health crisis dragged on in Los Angeles and “dine-in” restaurants were once again banned, many restaurants were suffering. And especially the most gourmets. Thus, Trois Mec, the restaurant of chef Ludo Lefebvre, has definitely closed its doors in Hollywood, the group announced at the end of July.

Open for seven years, the 26-seat gastronomic establishment had established a reputation: it was thus named one of the best restaurants in the country in 2014 by the national critic ofEater, Bill Addison; and received its first Michelin star in 2019.

To explain this closure, the Los Angeles Times cites in particular the financial difficulties linked to the operation of a gourmet restaurant during the pandemic due to the coronavirus. Indeed, it was difficult to offer a high-end tasting menu to take away. The partner and wife of the chef, Kissy Lefebvre wrote in a press release: “It is impossible for a restaurant with 4 tables and 8 seats to survive in this pandemic. The investment cost to build a suitable outdoor space in a shopping center simply cannot be justified at this point. ”

She then criticizes the lack of help for this industry, whether it is the operating insurance that does not apply or the PPP program that she considers a “Employer-paid and government funded unemployment program”. Not to mention the permanent rule changes which add to the difficulties. “Social distancing measures limit the ability of restaurants to generate enough revenue to cover costs”, she wrote, arguing for a restaurant law. “What is happening is bigger than the loss of Trois Dudes, this is a crumbling industry.”

The couple then aspires to use Trois mec’s premises to expand Petit Trois (its adjacent bistro) in the future, “But the way to go remains uncertain”, writes the team on the restaurant’s website. In the meantime, this space will continue to be used by the World Central Kitchen – the non-profit organization overseen by chef José Andrés.

“Ludo will now focus his efforts on the survival of Petit Trois, hoping to be able to weather the storm”, concludes Kissy Lefebvre.

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