After 17 years in business, La Cuisine has announced its immediate closure due to unforeseen circumstances, cutting short its planned farewell weeks before its original June 26 closing date.
La Cuisine, located at 48 SW 1st Avenue, permanently closed its doors effective Friday, June 12. The abrupt closure comes just weeks after owners Elodie Guinard and Patrice Perron initially announced they would be serving their final meals through June 26 after selling the business.
In a statement released to the community on social media, the owners explained that “unforeseen circumstances” made it impossible to fulfill their planned closing timeline.
“It is with profound sadness that we share that La Cuisine has closed its doors effective immediately. When we announced the sale of the restaurant, we looked forward to spending our final weeks celebrating with our guests, sharing memories, and saying goodbye properly. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, we are no longer able to continue service through our planned closing date.”
The sudden closure means the cancellation of numerous upcoming reservations made by locals hoping to experience the award-winning French cuisine one last time. The owners expressed deep sorrow for the disappointment the abrupt change will cause their loyal patrons.
“Of all the difficult moments involved in closing a restaurant, this is the one we never anticipated,” the statement reads. “We are heartbroken that we will not have the opportunity to welcome many of you back for one final meal… to share a final toast, a final conversation, and a proper farewell.”
Despite the sudden ending, Guinard and Perron emphasized their profound gratitude for the outpouring of love, support, and reservations they received following their initial announcement.
Over the past 17 years, La Cuisine became a renowned gathering spot in the heart of the city, claiming a multitude of awards for its authentic cuisine and welcoming atmosphere.
While the current owners are moving on, the legacy of the downtown space is expected to continue. The business was recently purchased by a local downtown Ocala business owner who intends to continue operating the space as a restaurant.
The departure of La Cuisine comes amidst a rapidly shifting retail and commercial landscape in downtown Ocala.
Over the past few years, the area has seen the closure of several longtime tenants. That includes Stella’s Modern Pantry, which will close later this week.
In past years, Molly Maguire’s, Pi on Broadway, The Keep, and the Shannon Roth Collection, among others.
Despite the loss of several legacy businesses, the downtown district is currently experiencing a wave of new development. The area is welcoming two new hotels, a second parking garage, and the city’s first standalone Haagen-Dazs, among other projects.
Numerous new dining options have also joined the scene over the past several years, including Mellow Mushroom, MOOYAH Burgers, and the District Kitchen and Bar. T
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