Owner cites declining interest in fine-dining in closing Brasserie
BY SCOTT CHERRY World Scene Writer
Thursday, August 02, 2012
8/02/12 at 3:13 AM
Owner Tim Baker announced Wednesday he is closing the Brasserie, one of the finest of Tulsa's fine-dining restaurants. The last day will be Aug. 15.
"The Brasserie was and is a great restaurant, and it has been a labor of love for me," Baker said. "The decision to close did not come lightly.
"Several factors were involved. We started the year well, but as the heat came on and the numbers fell, it was a wake-up call. Even with great chefs like Justin (Thompson) and Marcus (Vause), we found the interest in fine-dining decreasing over time."
Baker opened the Brasserie, which features French-inspired cuisine, in November 2006 at 3509 S. Peoria Ave. in the Consortium. The space formerly held other high-end restaurants including Montrachet and Monte's.
Baker still owns Sonoma Bistro & Wine Bar, 3523 S. Peoria Ave., which he said is "doing very well," and he has become involved in the opening of a new restaurant, Naples Flatbread & Wine Bar.
Naples Flatbread, a franchise restaurant out of Florida, will be located at 4929 E. 71st St., former site of Cosi sandwich and pizza shop.
Naples Flatbread specializes in Neopolitan pizzas, Tuscan flatbreads, gourmet macaroni and cheese, panini sandwiches on artisan bread, hearth-baked pasta dishes, salads, and desserts.
"Naples is really impressive," Baker said. "I think people are going to love it."
Baker said the Brasserie will maintain its regular hours, 4-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 4-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. For reservations, call 918-779-7070.
"Rather than say the Brasserie is closing for good, let's say we are just putting it on the shelf for a while," Baker said. "Under the right conditions, it could reopen at a better time."
Read more local restaurant news at Scott Cherry's blog tulsaworld.com/tabletalk
Original Print Headline: Brasserie closing set for Aug. 15
Associated Images:
Tim Baker stands in front of the Brasserie shortly after it opened in November 2006. MIKE SIMONS / Tulsa World file
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