Bistro La Floraison, the enchanting French eatery from Take Root Hospitality located in Clayton, will be shutting down. The restaurant group confirmed this in a recent email, mentioning that the inability to secure a lease renewal is the reason for the closure. Bistro La Floraison will serve its last meal on May 30.
“It is with a heavy heart that I announce the closing of Bistro La Floraison at the end of May,” the statement says. “This is not the outcome we envisioned, and it’s incredibly hard to bid farewell to a place that has held so much significance for us, our team, and all of you who have filled our dining room with joy, laughter, and celebration over the past four years.”
Michael and Tara Gallina, co-owners of Take Root Hospitality alongside chef and partner Aaron Martinez, launched Bistro La Floraison in 2022 after taking over the venue from the renowned St. Louis restaurateur Zoe Robinson. Robinson ran its predecessor, Bar Les Freres, in the charming Wydown location from 2012 until 2020 when the pandemic resulted in its temporary closure. After deciding to retire and sell the restaurant along with her other ventures I Fratellini (now known as Wright’s Tavern) and Billie Jean (now Bar Moro), she entrusted the Gallinas with her legacy, who honored her vision for a stylish, elegant French dining experience while adding their own unique touch.
During their tenure, Bistro La Floraison became a favorite spot for diners seeking an authentic taste of France without the need for international travel. From exquisite chicken cordon bleu and stunning cheeses to irresistibly addictive gougeres with gruyere, alongside fine French wines and spritzes, the Clayton establishment firmly established itself in the St. Louis culinary landscape.
“From the outset, The Bistro was envisioned as a small slice of Paris in the Midwest—a destination to celebrate French cuisine, thoughtful hospitality, and the simple joy of gathering around the table,” the email states. “That vision only materialized because of our amazing team and the community that embraced us so warmly.”
Tara Gallina expressed deep sorrow over the closure. Although she can’t disclose all the details surrounding the situation, she wants to emphasize that the decision was not theirs to make.
“This was not our choice, and we would have continued if we could,” Gallina explains. “We were preparing to celebrate four years and gearing up for the busy season. We had a fantastic chef, a wonderful team, and loyal regulars, but unfortunately, it is what it is.”
The loss is particularly painful for Tara due to her love for French cuisine and the unique atmosphere the restaurant provided. The impact of the closure is magnified by the strong sense of community built among regular diners, who shared special moments with each other and the staff at the bistro’s tables.
“There is nowhere else like it,” Gallina reflects. “While we were a small restaurant and not operating at high volume because of our space constraints, our guests were very loyal. Our managers compile nightly reports at all our restaurants detailing who was there, what they said, and what went well that evening. I could write a book about the stories from Bistro La Floraison’s channel regarding guest experiences, conversations, and celebrations. Our staff built a remarkable bond with the guests, and it’s heartbreaking that can no longer continue. We were an integral part of their lives, and our team truly took ownership of the place. They did an incredible job, and the community’s loss is genuinely disappointing.”
When asked if Bistro La Floraison might find a new location, Gallina mentioned that there are no current plans for that, citing the challenging climate for opening new restaurants. She noted that they are working to retain as many employees as possible and doing their best to support everyone involved. She believes that the essence of the space will endure and encourages everyone with cherished memories of Bistro La Floraison to visit in the coming weeks to bid farewell and celebrate what they created.
“We would love to send it off on a high note,” Tara concludes.
The Backstory
The Gallinas launched Vicia in 2017 after relocating to Michael’s hometown of St. Louis from New York, where they were part of the esteemed Blue Hill at Stone Barns. Under their leadership, the restaurant has garnered national recognition and numerous accolades, including being named a “Best New Restaurant” by Eater, Esquire, and Bon Appetit, along with a Food & Wine selection for “Best New Chef in America” for Michael, and several James Beard Foundation nominations, including “Best New Restaurant,” “Outstanding Wine & Bar Program,” two “Best Chef Midwest” nods for Michael, two “Outstanding Restaurateur” nominations for Take Root Hospitality, and an “Emerging Chef” nomination for chef de cuisine Jane Sacro Chatham. Most recently, Vicia was recognized as a James Beard Award finalist for Best Restaurant.
“While this chapter is coming to an end, we hope you’ll continue to support our team and our broader restaurant family at Take Root Hospitality, including Vicia and Winslow’s Table,” the email concludes.
Discover the best dining in St. Louis
Sign up for the St. Louis Dining In and Dining Out newsletters to keep updated on the local restaurant and culinary scene.
We promise never to send spam or annoying emails. Unsubscribe at any time.
