A San Diego mainstay since 2004 and a pioneer business for the East Village neighborhood, Cafe Chloe took to Facebook today to announce that the popular neighborhood French bistro would be shuttering in early July.
Opened in 2004 by husband and wife John Clute & Alison McGrath (who, ironically, met in 1992 while working at the recently-closed Cafe Japengo in La Jolla), along with former partner Tami Ratliffe, Cafe Chloe is a 60-seat French bistro that was named after the couple's then-infant daughter, who is now 15 years old. The eatery cultivated a loyal following over its tenure for a value-oriented menu of traditional French fare - with a kitchen helmed by Chef Katie Grebow until she left to launch her own private culinary business in 2016, at which point Executive Chef Theo Dimitriou was hired. In 2015, Jerry & Chrissy Reynolds, who previously worked as part of San Diego's theater design business, purchased a partnership interest in the company, and they were the driving force behind the opening of neighboring Parisian creperie Minou, which unveiled in October 2017.
Citing a changing restaurant landscape that has resulted in difficult to maintain culinary standards, Cafe Chloe announced on its Facebook Page that it would be open for brunch and dinner with a limited menu until finally shuttering on July 8. Word on the street is that back of house staff was not informed of the impending closure prior to the social media post. Those looking to get a last taste should call to make reservations or book through Opentable. The fate of Minou creperie or Chloe by Scout, an event venue that was supposed to open in Liberty Station in 2017, is still uncertain. Rumors are swirling that Minou is also closing, or may be reconceptualized as a new eatery, and that Chloe by Scout is still in the works, albeit much delayed.
Cafe Chloe is located at 721 9th Avenue in San Diego's East Village. For more information, visit cafechloe.com and check out the Facebook announcement below.
"All Good Things Must Come to an End..."
Dear Friends...
It is with tremendous sadness that we must let you know that we have made the difficult decision to close our beloved Cafe Chloe.
The restaurant industry has changed dramatically in the time we have been open, and we are finding it impossible to maintain our standards in food and service without compromosing. So we prefer to end this incredible era of our lives gracefully and without compromise, and we are turning our attention to more sustainable endeavors.
We know that we will have your continued support in the future. We have an exciting new chapter ahead of us and look forward to creating new beauty for you to enjoy in the years ahead.
We thank you all sincerely for sharing our dream for 14 gorgeous years, and for letting us share in your lives.
So that you can say your farewells in person, we will be staying open for brunch and dinner until July 8th offering a limited menu of all of your favorites. We recommend booking through open table, but walkins are always welcome.
Thanks for the memories. It has been more than grand.
-Alison, John and Chloe
