Farewell to a Broadway Icon: Café Un Deux Trois Closes Its Doors After 48 Years
Café Un Deux Trois, a cherished French restaurant in Midtown, is closing its doors after 48 years on Broadway. The restaurant, founded by Gerard Blanes, Georges Guenancia, and Michael Morse in 1977, has been a favorite spot for theatergoers and celebrities alike. Over the years, it has hosted a plethora of famous patrons, including Meryl Streep, Robert Downey Jr., and Sarah Jessica Parker.
The restaurant's maitre d', Jose Enrique Lozada, and manager Pablo Manso have fond memories of serving celebrities like Scarlett Johansson, Nathan Lane, and Cynthia Nixon. The restaurant's rich history dates back to the late 1970s when it was established in the former Hotel Gerard. The building itself has a long history, predating every Broadway theater, and exudes a Parisian charm that has captivated patrons for decades.
Despite its storied past, Café Un Deux Trois is closing due to rising expenses and a decline in business, exacerbated by the impact of the pandemic. The closure marks the end of an era for the theater community and Broadway journalists who frequented the restaurant. Many patrons, like former Post columnist Michael Riedel and Daily Snooze critic Chris Jones, are saddened by the loss of this iconic establishment.
As Café Un Deux Trois prepares to bid farewell to its loyal patrons, the restaurant's founder, Gerard Blanes, reflects on the legacy of the establishment and expresses gratitude for the support over the years. While the closure is bittersweet, Blanes remains proud of the unique dining experience that he and his partners created at Café Un Deux Trois. The restaurant's closure serves as a poignant reminder of the changing landscape of Times Square and the enduring impact of this beloved French eatery.