French Bistro & Bar Chez Soi Announces Change in Ownership
The only constant in life is change, and this week more is changing with the announcement that French eatery and bar Chez Soi will be closing its doors.
But according to owner Caroline and and marketing manager Tabby, the spot – a popular place for Chinese and expat alike and a safe space for members of the LGBT+ community – won’t be gone for good. Instead, new ownership will be taking over which will see Chez Soi renovated and turned into something new, but recognizable.
We recently spoke with Tabby and Caroline to find out more about the closure and the coming renovations.
Nights at Chez Soi were always fun
Q
It seems like the king is dead but long live the king, our home, and your home, Chez Soi. Why can’t things continue?
A
Due to myriad circumstances, we have made a decision to close your beloved home, Chez Soi, just so we can come back stronger and better to serve you. We will come back with vigour and a brand new look, so stay tuned. A new owner will revamp the place whilst keeping its spirit. The lockdowns and many other restrictions prompted us to make a decision to close it. Selling was the only way to save Chez Soi, otherwise we would not have been able to continue at all.
Q
What’s your fondest memory of working at Chez Soi? What was the restaurant to you?
A
The many nights of French 75s in our hands whilst we danced into the wee hours and interacting with the staff and the many regulars who made this place spectacularly special. Everyone here treated each other like family, one of the very few places in Beijing that can give you such a warm and hospitable environment as if you were in your own home. Chez Soi lived up to its French name, which roughly translates to “at home”. We organized many private parties and events where we did everything like we owned the place. The love and warmth in the walls of Chez Soi is the reason it had a loyal customer base, and all thanks to its owner, Caroline, who made sure everyone always felt like it was their own place.
Full of friends old and new
Q
We understand the Chez Soi space is being taken over by new ownership. What can we expect moving forward?
A
The new French owners will bring their fresh concepts and revamp the place whilst keeping the true spirit of Chez Soi. The new Chez Soi will look million times better with more choices than ever before. The owners have an eye for design so they will be looking to make it into an authentic and chic eatery with the touch of France all over it. They expect to get the place ready by October, just in time for the winter and all the holiday celebrations that come with it.
Q
What can friends of Chez Soi expect at the closing party on Aug 31?
A
You should be expecting so much love and warmth and drunkenness to bid farewell to our home. There will be familiar faces and of course many of your favorite drinks and food to enjoy for the very last time. We encourage everyone to drink up and savor the last of the old Chez Soi, expect speeches and a whole lot of tears but its not the end. Chez Soi will enter its second chapter with our loyal family, i.e. you. We will continue the next journey together and remember, without you, Chez Soi would never have gotten to where it is today, you made it happen, our customers are our family.
And often more wild than expected
Come party at Chez Soi tomorrow, Wednesday, Aug 31, from 6pm and enjoy Happy Hour till 8pm and stay late into the night to keep partying. There will be specials but no entry fee. All are welcome.
Chez Soi
16 Gongrentiyuchang Donglu F1 south side, Chaoyang District
朝阳区工人体育场东路16号一层南侧
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Images: courtesy of Chez Soi
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