A beloved French restaurant in downtown Ocala has announced that it will close its doors later this month after 17 years in business.
La Cuisine, located at 48 SW 1st Avenue, will officially serve its last meal on June 26. The announcement was made in a heartfelt statement issued by the restaurant’s owners, Elodie Guinard and Patrice Perron.
In the statement, the owners reflect on their journey of moving from France to America and the dream they had of creating a welcoming space where people could gather around a table and enjoy good food.
Over the past 17 years, they say they have had the privilege of celebrating countless milestones with their guests, including anniversaries, birthdays, engagements, graduations, promotions, and retirements.
The restaurant also earned a multitude of awards for its cuisine and unique atmosphere.
“What began as a restaurant became something much more. Many of our guests became friends, and many of those friends became family. We are profoundly grateful to every person who walked through our doors, supported our small business, trusted us with their celebrations, and helped make La Cuisine what it became. La Cuisine would never have become what it was without people like you, and we will always be grateful for the role you played in its story,” reads part of the statement.
While this marks the end of a chapter for the current owners, the legacy of the space will continue.
The business has been purchased by a local downtown Ocala business owner who intends to continue operating the space as a restaurant and preserve the location’s status as a dining destination and gathering spot in the heart of the city.
The owners of La Cuisine are encouraging their customers to visit over the coming weeks to share memories, enjoy a favorite meal, and allow them the opportunity to express their thanks in person.
“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. With love and gratitude, Elodie & Patrice,” reads the end of the statement.
The closure of La Cuisine comes amidst an ever-changing retail and commercial landscape in downtown Ocala, which has seen the departure of several longtime tenants in recent years.
That list of business closures includes Stella’s Modern Pantry, which will also close its doors this month after an extended run in downtown.
Night Owl Bakery also recently closed its doors after a short run in the former Soleil Bakery.
Additionally, Molly Maguire’s, The Keep, Pi on Broadway, the Shannon Roth Collection, Brown Dog Coffeehouse, and The Courtyard all closed down their locations over the past few years, among multiple other businesses.
Despite these closures, the downtown area is currently in the midst of welcoming two new hotels, a second parking garage, and the city’s first standalone Haagen-Dazs ice cream location.
Several new businesses have also opened their doors in the area recently, including Mellow Mushroom, MOOYAH Burgers, Barons Creek Vineyards, RHN Wagyu Meat Market, The Gathering Cafe, District Kitchen and Bar, and 18 South.
In addition to the commercial projects, multiple residential projects have sprouted up in downtown over the same time period, including the Brick City Lofts, the Watula South Townhomes, and the Lamplighter Legacy Apartments.
What are your thoughts on the closure of La Cuisine in downtown Ocala? Share them in a comment below or, if you have more to say on the topic, write a letter to the editor.