Chez Sophie, located on the Provencher Bridge/Esplanade Riel, has closed it’s doors for good.
When Salisbury House decided not to renew its lease after seven years in operation, the city received three bids for the vacant space. The Winnipeg Public Service awarded a five-year lease agreement for the 4,000 square foot building on the bridge to Chez Sophie commencing April 1, 2013.
The restaurant was given free rent for the first year, in exchange for renovations totaling $150,000 to $200,000. After the first year, rent was $2,000 monthly.
The unique bridge location, though beautiful, only attracts seasonal customers. Parking on the bridge is prohibited and a long walk down the Esplanade Riel to the restaurant isn’t very favourable during Winnipeg’s cold winter nights.
Similar to the last process, the city will open up bids for the spot in the coming weeks/months. Previously, the city required bidders to be a restaurant with a bi-lingual menu. With the immediate exodus of Chez Sophie, perhaps those requirements will change. [WINNNIPEG FREE PRESS]
