For decades, Left Bank Brasserie brought a taste of Paris to the San Francisco Bay Area, serving French classics in bustling neighborhood dining rooms. Now, the beloved restaurant chain has permanently closed all of its remaining locations, marking the end of an era for longtime customers.
The closures come as parent company Vine Hospitality shuts down operations after more than three decades in business, resulting in the loss of approximately 300 jobs across its restaurant portfolio.
All remaining Left Bank Brasserie restaurants have closed
The shutdown affects the chain’s three remaining Left Bank Brasserie restaurants in Larkspur, Menlo Park, and San Jose’s Santana Row. The locations closed over several days following the company’s announcement, ending a brand that had become a Bay Area dining staple for French cuisine and special occasions.
Left Bank Brasserie first opened in Larkspur in 1994, eventually expanding to multiple locations throughout Northern California. Inspired by the cafés and brasseries of Paris, the restaurants became known for menu favorites including steak frites, French onion soup, moules frites and brunch offerings.
Around 300 workers impacted by parent company’s closure
Although the closures extend beyond the Left Bank brand, the restaurant group’s shutdown is expected to eliminate approximately 300 positions. Employees reportedly learned of the decision with little advance notice as the company began winding down operations.
Company says business was no longer sustainable
Vine Hospitality CEO Alistair Levine said the business could no longer operate profitably, citing rising food costs, a difficult operating environment and failed expansion efforts. The company said it has no plans to reopen the Left Bank Brasserie restaurants elsewhere in the Bay Area.
Links on this page may be affiliate links, for which the site earns a small commission, but the price for you is the same
Leave a Comment