Pearl District's Fenouil Calls it Quits, to Shutter this Sunday

Image of Fenouil courtesy Gastrolust

Breaking: Fenouil, the French-meets-contemporary-Northwest spot that's anchored the Pearl District's Jamison Park since 2005, has suddenly announced that it will close permanently, effective this weekend. Final dinner service is scheduled for this Sunday, April 3. According to chef Jake Martin, he was notified of the decision yesterday afternoon, and today, the owners at the Dussin Group released the following statement:

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the closing of Fenouil, in Portland's Pearl District. A longtime iconic restaurant, Fenouil unfortunately was not able to weather the storm of the financial crisis and will close its doors on Sunday, April 3rd. We are extremely grateful for the efforts of our talented staff, led by Chef Jake Martin in the kitchen and Ginger Henderson-Radichel as General Manager, and everyone who worked hard each day at Fenouil. The Dussin Group is currently weighing options as to the future of the restaurant space, more details will be forthcoming as decisions are made. A final thank you to the wonderful Portland community who supported us for so many years.

"Everyone was all pretty bummed out. The owner, Chris Dussin, made the decision yesterday and we're done on Sunday," said chef Jake Martin, who was tasked with dropping the bomb on his staff. But expect business as usual during Fenouil's final three dinner services over the weekend: "I'd like go out with the same bang that we came in with."

Fenouil first opened with a splash in 2005 as a brasserie under the guidance of former Lucier chef Pascal Chureau, who said at the time that "It is the restaurant I dreamed of opening ever since crossing the Atlantic." Martin (previously of Carlyle) took over the kitchen in March 2010, garnering positive reviews. More information about the Fenouil shutter as it becomes available.
· All Previous Fenouil Coverage [Eater PDX]