Claudine Will Be Replaced By Casual Concept from Same Owners

More restaurant-closing news comes from Financial District's French brasserie Claudine, which will close its doors for the last time on August 14. Not for long, though — Franck LeClerc's Au Bon Repas restaurant group (Cafe Claude, Gitane, Gaspar Brasserie) has plans for the space to become a fast-casual concept, Inside Scoop reports.

"The new concept will offer the same great hospitality and exceptional food that Au Bon Repas is known for, but also be casual, approachable and fun," Au Bon Repas president Obadiah Ostergard said.

No word yet on when it will be finished, but in the meantime the space will be used for private events and pop-up dinners. Claudine staff will scatter to other restaurants in the Au Bon Repas family, and Cafe Claude will add a weekday happy hour and prix fixe menus to make up for the Claudine loss.

It's a busy season for Au Bon Repas, which also has a bar opening in the former Festoon Saloon space across the street in the near future. More details on both concepts to come.