3 days Ago By Charlie Vargas
After 44 years of service, Le Petit Four, a well-known French-Californian bistro in West Hollywood’s Sunset Plaza, has shuttered permanently.The restaurant, once located at 654 W. Sunset Blvd.
, is the latest establishment in West Hollywood to close, following a series of others that have also stopped serving the city known for its vibrant nightlife and proximity to the entertainment industry.On March 21, the eatery announced its plans to close on Instagram, writing that the decision was “unavoidable” due to “rising costs, a 30% minimum wage increase since the coronavirus pandemic, soaring rent, and declining foot traffic.” The post invited the community to come in so they could serve them their favorite dishes one last time before March 31.
“Your support over the years has meant everything — and in this final stretch, we especially ask for your help in showing love to our incredible team of chefs, servers, and staff who pour their hearts into this place every single day,” the restaurant wrote.Longtime customers lamented the news in the post’s comment section, and one user and former employee added, “Le Petit Four is what let me reach for my dreams. I worked there for 7 years while I inched my way forward.
.. There’s no way I could have made it as an actor without this support.
”Other users pitched different ideas to try and prevent the closure with a user writing, “Maybe it’s too late, but we could all run a social campaign and build the momentum back into LPF!”With permission from the owner, Alexandre Morgenthaler, a customer launched a GoFundMe campaign, which raised nearly $9,000. The outpouring community support paid off, with footage of packed tables and busy servers soon being posted on the restaurant’s Instagram page.The community effort appeared to give the restaurant a new lifeline.
On Monday, March 31, Le Petit Four posted another Instagram update, expressing gratitude and exciting plans to move forward with the caption, “Le Petit Four is here to stay.”“We are overjoyed to share that La Petit Four will remain open, thanks to the overwhelming love and support from our incredible patrons from all of Los Angeles,” the post said. “Just one day before we were set to close our doors for good, everything changed—you showed up in ways we never imagined.
Reservations packed, heartfelt messages poured in, social media lit up, and your generosity helped us cover what we needed to keep going.”While the future for the French eatery seemed bright, another Instagram update posted just hours later from the one celebrating, dealt a devastating blow for fans of the restaurant. According to the post, a dispute with the landlord occurred, and they posted that the restaurant would not stay open after all.
“Despite the overwhelming support, love, and generosity we received from each of you in our efforts to keep the restaurant open, circumstances beyond our control have led us to an unexpected outcome,” the post said. “Your unwavering support has meant the world to us, and we will forever be grateful for the memories, the friendships, and the sense of community that we built together..
. Thank you for everything — you have truly made this journey unforgettable,” the post signed “With love and appreciation, Alex & le Petit Four’s family.”Le Petit Four opened in 1981, “offering a taste of France in L.
A.” and as a self-described “cozy pastry shop filled with gourmet treats from Paris’s Fauchon,” according to its website. It captured the hearts and appetites of Angelinos with French fare such as its onion soup, steak au poivre, lobster bisque, and spaghetti bolognese.
Its dessert menu featured tiramisu, crème caramel, berry tarts, and a layered, flaky Napoleon cake filled with a rich pastry cream and topped with a dusting of powdered sugar.Related ArticlesCoachella 2025: Six places to get late night eats after leaving the festivalHot dogs and hamburgers are legendary at this LA restaurant2025 Dodger Deals: Free food and discounts for fans when the Dodgers winCoachella 2025: Here’s this year’s must-have festival foodsJames Beard Award 2025 finalists announced: Three LA County names make the cut.
