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Le Petit Bistro and Le Petit Cafe will close for good after this evening's dinner service, bringing to an end nearly two decades of French cuisine, served with true French charm in Le Pollet.
Announcing their decision on Facebook the owners said that "after more than 17 years since opening, the time has come for Le Petit Bistro & Le Petit Café to be closing its doors this Saturday night.
"This has been a difficult and emotional decision for both of us, but it is time to close this chapter of our lives."
Owners, Delphine and Mike Pesrin-Auder, also own Octopus at Havelet. That is staying open.
Delphine and Mike told their loyal customers via Facebook that they owed their success over the years to them, and their staff.
"We would like to thank our talented and dedicated staff, both past and present, for helping make Le Petit Bistro & Le Petit Café a truly special place.
"Thank you to our incredible suppliers and, of course, our loyal and supportive guests over the years."
Pictured: The Petit Bistro staff at their 2005 New Year's Eve celebrations.
Many customers have expressed their sadness at the closure of Le Petit Bistro and Cafe including fellow hospitality worker Rachael McDaid who said: "Lot’s of love to you both! Le Petit Bistro & Le Petit Café will always be a fondly remembered part of Guernsey hospitality History".
Former Guernsey resident, broadcaster, journalist and Francophile Richard Harding said: "Merci pour tous les excellents repas et bonne chance pour l'avenir. Votre mousse au chocolat etait exceptionelle!"
Margaret Lucas is one of the many people who has held a personal celebration at Le Petit Bistro over the years and she is also sad to see it close.
"I had my big celebration for my 50th birthday at the restaurant and it was Alex who looked after us, we often think back to that night and cherish those memories. This restaurant will always have a special place in my memories, had so many wonderful evenings with family and friends.
"You should be so proud of what you achieved, your restaurant will be sadly missed. On a happy note we so enjoy seeing you all at Octopus and it has been so wonderful to see this thrive. Keep up the good work you do Michael, Delphine and all your wonderful staff. Love and best wishes x."
Pictured: The owners of Le Petit Bistro & Cafe also own Octopus which is staying open.
Le Petit Bistro and Cafe were recently advertising for additional staff, with six roles listed on its website.
These were across all areas of the business including chefs, baristas and waiting staff.
Previously the business has struggled with staff recruitment culminating in a court case in 2018 after admitting illegally employing workers.
Representing M & D Limited, Ms Pesrin-Auder pleaded guilty to seven charges relating to four employees who worked at Le Petit Bistro and Octopus, after staff occupied a dwelling without the necessary housing licence or permit.
The defence lawyer stated that Ms Pesrin-Auder had pleaded guilty and he reiterated that the laws were in place to stop immigration and the black economy, but said his client was not responsible for either of those situations as the company, M & D Limited, had been paying the employees' tax and social security contributions.
He said the old regime of Housing Licence applications had been difficult to follow, but since the new system had been introduced Ms Pesrin-Auder had regularised the remaining employed staff concerned and everyone was now working legally.
The previous HR manager had left the company by the time of the court case.
Current Deputy Simon Vermeulen, who at the time was running his family owner hotel La Grand Mare, criticised the fine given to Le Petit Bistro and Octopus at the time, saying the couple who own the restaurants should have been given more leeway.
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