The French Market, a West Hollywood institution since 1974, will close at the end of March. But not for long
Marc Ittah, the business partner of Michael Faze, who bought the French Market in 2011, said it’s time to remodel the place.
“People are complaining that it is old, old, old,” he said. Ittah said the renovation would begin in April, but he cannot predict how long it will take. Ittah said the renovated French Market will include both the French Quarter restaurant and the variety of shops that surround it.
The French Market, located at 7985 Santa Monica Blvd. at North Laurel, has long been a popular weekend brunch place and offers relatively inexpensive breakfast, lunch and dinner menus. It also has an outdoor dining area facing Santa Monica. And, rare for West Hollywood, it offers free parking in a lot next door.
The French Market was opened by Arthur Simm in 1974, 10 years before West Hollywood’s incorporation as a city. His grandsons Chris and Mike own the Simms Restaurant Group. It owns restaurants such as Simmzy’s and Tin Roof Bistro in Manhattan Beach.
Tenants in the various shops at French Market have been told they must vacate by March 31 for construction to begin.
I hope the refurbishment will maintain respect for the French theme, whether New Orleans or Parisian.
Its finally here French Quarter closing July 12 2015. Im surprised and sad the current owners arent saying much to the people who have workered their for years. A quick one week final notice and go to the unemployment office. Gee thanks. Wesr Hollywood needs to wake up. This restraunt a community icon for gays & straight people to mingle,laugh & enjoy a great meal. Ive been a consistent customer 20 years. Michael Faze & Marc Ittah the owners whats really gonna happen to this chrished restraunt? Im hoping someone in West Hollywoods government asks the tough questions and gets… Read more »
The French Market kept me from staving as a young guy in West Hollywood. You could hit the Rusty Nail and eat across the street after (and cruise the guys coming over from there!). I can’t go back to ‘WeHo’ anymore…it’s been overcommercialized and overrun by developers who bought and paid for a lot of those “non-males” who got cityhood going to their own benefit while we were busy trying to keep from dying. This closure is another nail in the coffin of “the county,” as we used to call it. Long may it be remembered.
On April 14th, the city granted them a permit to serve a full range of alcohol until 2am. The owner says they plan to add a bar and he will rent the stores/offices out again. I doubt they will bring the French Quarter name back unless he’s doesn’t want to spend money on new signage. I hope they get rid of the menu. I’m sure it’ll become a hipster joint. The owner is being very secretive about this project which is very strange.
I’ll never forget the hilarious black waitress, Candy, hanging on to the metal bars by our table, poking her head through and singing, “Old Man River” in her best, depressed baritone voice.
have beeen a patron since 1977- the cast of GREASE ate there often,,,,hope it is really not a goodbye-tear down
Oscar the evening manager is the best person to keep this place going.
He is very caring, pleasant and accommodating.
He is the soul of this place.
Great if the space is getting a makeover, but this is a wofl in sheep’s clothing. The continual shuttering of gay businesses in WeHo is getting otu of hand. They want everything to be like Abbey or PUMP and there’s nothing neighborhoody about anything in WeHo anymore. It’s all these over-the-top concept restaurants with overpriced food and crappy service. West Hollywood is becoming straightsville and any semblance of its gay roots are being paved over with straight establishments that these gross developers are hoping gays will also flock to to spend their gay dollars. Good riddance to West Hollywood as… Read more »
worrisome update: http://la.eater.com/2015/3/25/8286303/weho-french-market-place-the-shutter-closing-march-31
Since it was sold the food was never the same. Their signature French Onion soup changed. There used to be a wait to get in, now it is almost vacant half the time. Its a good thing New York City doesn’t change things because they are old because Fraunces’ Tavern where Washington said goodbye to his troops would me a MacDonald’s.
The shops were always boring. I hope they add some new shops that might bring in business. I always enjoyed the food though.
One of the few wonderful places to eat and mingle and get to know people i hope there really upgrading and not closing it.Please don’t get rid of the employees they have been there for years and are just the best. SHOUT OUT TO FREDDIE AND THE REST OF THE PEOPLE I TRULY MISS YOU ALL. THIS IS YOUR FRIEND CHUCK WHO MOVED TO FLORIDA