Manhattan is officially saying goodbye to an iconic Midtown French restaurant closing its doors for good as rising costs and inflation continue to wreak havoc on the hospitality industry.
La Grenouille, located on East 52nd Street, has attracted a heap of notable Hollywood big-shots since first opening in December 1962.
But Wednesday marked the end of an era.
The owner, Philippe Masson, took to Instagram to announce its closure - stating that he was moving on to explore new terrain and pursue other dreams and added that an enormous amount of love and dedication went in to making La Grenouille such an iconic destination.
The luxurious restaurant was born 62 years ago in the dead of winter - during a blizzard and newspaper strike. From that day forward, a loyal following began.
La Grenouille, an iconic restaraunt on 52nd Street in Midtown Manhattan, is known for its old-school New York dining and celebrity sightings - but its officially closing its doors
The restaurant was the lone survivor of a plethora of French restaurants that broke into NYC in the 1960s - quickly becoming a city staple
Since opening in 1962, Hollywood super-stars have frequently dined at the establishment. In March 2011, Blake Lively had a dinner there held in her honor that was hosted by Chanel
Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor, Mick Jagger, David Bowie, Rod Stewart, Prince, Madonna and Elton John were just a handful of stars that bought their glitz and glamour to the long-running institution.
Its red-and-gold ambiance, magical floral displays and timeless dishes secured the restaurants standing as a New York staple.
It remained the lone survivor of a plethora of elegant French restaurants that broke into the heart of Manhattan in the 1960s - ultimately securing the citys reputation for luxury and sophisticated dining.
But now, a once-fabulous eatery filled with mirrored walls and oil paintings is survived by a run-down outdoor dining shed - a sad reminder of a fashionable New York dining society that is slowly dying.
Daniel Boulud, a renowned Michelin star chef, told the New York Post: La Grenouille was the reference of French dining with its old world elegance, charm, cuisine and service that no other restaurant could imitate. It is so sad to see it closing.
The dining experience was one of sophistication - mirrored walls, red-and-gold ambiance and hand-made floral centerpieces added to the old-school vibe
Actress Anjelica Huston (pictured here with Wes Anderson) attending La Grenouille for a Louis Vuitton celebration in 2007
Elsa Pataky and Adrien Brody also attended the Louis Vuitton celebration in 2007
Jason Schwartzman and Brady Cunningham at La Grenouille in 2007
Family struggles, building-maintenance problems and a five-month closure last year led to tough times.
But its demise not only highlights the citys highly competitive restaurant industry and changing trends of the 21st century, but the struggling industry on a national level.
The aftermath of the pandemic, inflation and rising costs is the perfect storm for dining disaster.
More than 40 bars and restaurants closed in New York City from December 2023 to January 2024, according to Eater NY.
Something happened to the casually uncasual restaurant, Grub Street reported. It has always been possible to eat out expensively in New York, and it has always been possible, with some ingenuity, to eat out cheaply.
The restaurant appeared to be immune from changing 21st century trends and kept classic French dishes throughout its lengthy run
Actress Kim Cattrall attending a luncheon at La Grenouille in 2011
Events and private dinners were common - which included a celebration of womens brain health initiative in 2019
Its now difficult, if not impossible, to make it out for less than $100 per person.
Those who casually dine for occasions like anniversaries and birthdays are re-thinking their decisions - inflation being the clear culprit.
Insurance, rent, renovations, cost of materials and Covid have created a new normal for a once lively industry.
While there was little demand for restaurants during the shut-down, menu prices rose. When it was no longer considered a national emergency, costs rose as people returned to eating out.
But as time went on and other expenses started to drop - menu prices never changed.
The view from inside the industry is not that prices are now too high, an industry vet told Grub Street. Its that they were previously too low.
The industry was really fiscally unhealthy, pre-COVID. Things were at a breaking point.
Spanish racecar driver Alfonso de Portagos daughter Andrea and famed interior decorator Kitty Hawks, were pictured wearing short skirts in front of the iconic eatery in New York
High prices are normal - you can expect to spend a minimum of $180 when dining at La Grenouille
But in a city where it would take someone more than 22 years to eat at every restaurant, the harrowing industry is more pronounced in other parts of the country.
In middle America, where there are fewer people and household incomes are lower, almost all restaurants are feeling the pressure of empty seats.
Jessica Dunker, the president and CEO of the Iowa Restaurant Association, said the reason restaurants are shuttering is because the cost of goods is up 30 percent and they are having to shell out higher wages to keep staff on.
Dunker also pointed out that many food businesses are struggling to pay back loans they took out during the pandemic.
A total of 1,932 restaurants collapsed in 2023 - a 45 percent increase from the year prior, according to Restaurant Online.
And there may be many more closures to come.