Bar Chelou in Pasadena Announces Closure After Two Years
Award-Winning Restaurant to Close Doors on February 16
After two years of service, Pasadena’s beloved award-winning restaurant Bar Chelou will close its doors on Sunday, February 16. The restaurant, located in Old Town Pasadena, is spearheaded by chef Doug Rankin, who was mentored by chef Ludo Lefebvre.
Reason for Closure
According to a post on the restaurant’s Instagram page, the decision to close was made after careful consideration. The restaurant’s lease was set to expire at the end of the month, and the timing presented an opportunity to reconsider their path forward following the Eaton fire just a few miles from them in Altadena. As a result, they have made the heart-wrenching decision to close their doors in Pasadena.
Gratitude and Future Plans
The post continued, “We are immensely grateful to our customers for their support over the past two years. Stay tuned to our Insta for more exciting updates on Bar Chelou’s new permanent home later this year.”
Menu and Reviews
Bar Chelou’s menu featured dishes such as Clam Toast, Ibérico Pork Chop, Rainbow Trout, Pan de cristal, and Lamb Legs. Patrons who frequented the restaurant said it was great for casual meetups and date nights and accessible for those interested in elevated dining. Some on Yelp likened the menu to New York City’s dining scene.
Pasadena Residents’ Reaction
Pasadena residents and foodies from beyond fell in love with the mix of Spanish, Asian, and French flavors offered at Bar Chelou. Some of the customer base were also devoted followers of Rankin, who brought over some of his team from his previous restaurant in Silver Lake.
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Reason for Slowing Business
In an article with Eater, Rankin said that the restaurant’s business slowed in Pasadena after the Eaton Fire. Although the eatery and bar closed only for a couple of days after the devastating wildfires, he noticed the restaurant’s traffic was down, and because his lease was expiring this month, he decided to close the eatery.
Reaction from Patrons
Several patrons took to social media to voice their sorrow at hearing the news about the closure. “This makes me so sad. I loved having such an amazing place around the corner,” an Instagram user replied to the post about the closure. “Went there for the first time on Monday night and had the trout; it was outstanding. I’ve been thinking about the banana bar desert for the past couple of days, too. Such a bummer,” a Reddit user posted on r/FoodLos Angeles.
Future Plans
Rankin told Eater that he plans to move the restaurant to Denver, Co., but he isn’t opposed to returning to Los Angeles in the future.
Conclusion
Bar Chelou’s closure marks the end of an era in Pasadena’s culinary scene. The restaurant’s unique blend of flavors and chef Doug Rankin’s dedication to his craft will be deeply missed. However, the restaurant’s future plans to relocate to Denver, Co., offer a glimmer of hope for fans of the restaurant.
FAQs
Q: Why is Bar Chelou closing?
A: The restaurant is closing due to the expiration of its lease and the impact of the Eaton fire on its business.
Q: What are the restaurant’s future plans?
A: The restaurant plans to relocate to Denver, Co., but is not ruling out a return to Los Angeles in the future.
Q: What was the reaction from patrons?
A: Patrons took to social media to express their sadness and disappointment at the news of the closure, with many praising the restaurant’s unique menu and atmosphere.
