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Noted Seattle restaurateur Thierry Rautureau says he's closing the iconic Rover's after 25 years. (Rover's photo)

Thierry Rautureau turning out the lights at Rover's

BY Stephanie Klein  on December 10, 2012 @ 4:22 pm (Updated: 5:02 pm - 12/10/12 )

After more than 25 years serving hungry diners in Seattle, the Chef in the Hat, Thierry Rautureau plans to close up Rover's in April.

He says he wants to make it clear that they're not selling or going bankrupt, but had to make a hard decision about whether to renew a lease.

"It wasn't easy."

The restaurant is actually doing quite well and Rautureau says he's proud that Rover's is going out on such a high note.

In fact, it was just awarded 29 out of 30 for both service and food in the new Zagat ratings.

Rautureau says the emotions didn't really hit him until Monday after the news was announced and he began receiving hundreds of emails and telephone calls recalling memories and good times at Rover's.

But he's thrilled with what the future holds. He won't go into the details yet, but he does have other plans. Rautureau also runs his restaurant Luc, co-hosts Seattle Kitchen on KIRO Radio, and is working on a TV show called Kitchen Circus.

Rover's last day will be April 28. Rautureau says he doesn't really have plans for a party, but admits he "won't be able to resist."

Stephanie Klein, MyNorthwest.com Editor
Stephanie joined the MyNorthwest.com team in February 2008. She has built the site into a two-time National Edward R. Murrow Award winner (Best Radio Website 2010, 2012).
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Comments (3)


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  • Rangerhawk wrote...
    about whether to renew a lease? Way to spin it!
    December 10, 2012 6:11 pm
    Oh let me guess, it was going to be much lower than the last one and he didn't feel he would be able to pay his fare share of taxes and all. What a trooper! See you in Vancouver dude!
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  • Country_Dog wrote...
    So what?
    December 11, 2012 4:44 am
    Another liberal hoisted by his own petard. It was an elitist restaurant haunted by folks who want higher taxes but find ways to avoid them.

    Want a real dining experience?

    Eat Big Food.

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  • Oly80 wrote...
    you guys are sad...
    December 11, 2012 6:01 am
    making political comments on a RESTAURANT article?

    do you really understand how crazy you sound?

    seriously, do you even read what you write or listen to the words you say? it's like fox news is passing on it's verbal diarrhea to it's viewers.

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }