Popular French restaurant Coquette to move locations in Uptown
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Coquette is moving to a larger, more prominent location — the former Essex Bar & Bistro spot in Uptown.
Why it matters: The French-inspired restaurant, café and buvette on South Tryon has become a popular Uptown dining destination since opening in 2023. Next year, it'll move to the prominent corner of Trade and Tryon.
What they're saying: "This space is a natural fit for our vibe and vision ... We anticipate the magic will happen in early 2026 when we close at one location and open the very next week at our new home," owner Jill Marcus said in a release.
- The plan is to remain open at Coquette's current location at 400 S Tryon Street through New Year's Eve and open in the former Essex space the following week, Marcus tells Axios.
What to expect: The new 5,296-square-foot space is nearly 2,000 square feet larger than the original restaurant, adding about 35-40 more seats and a private dining room, according to Marcus.
- The Essex space will be renovated to match Coquette's Parisian décor and lively vibe, with a few new touches like wood beams on the ceiling and a newly acquired bronze bunny sculpture by sculptor Joshua Tobey.
Dig in: Executive Chef Stefano Gallo will create new "elevated" dishes for the menu, says Marcus. Sommelier Fabien Boudart will lead their wine program.
Between the lines: Coquette comes from Mother Earth Group, the team behind Mariposa in Uptown, Something Classic Catering and the former vegan restaurant Fern.
- Marcus's inspiration for Coquette came from her time spent studying abroad in Brittany, a historical region of France, when she was a junior in college.
- Coquette's home at 400 S. Tryon, a distressed 32-story office tower, was sold at auction this year to Citizens Bank and Synovus Bank for $36 million after its lenders foreclosed on the property, CBJ reported.
The big picture: Coquette joins Pet Wants, Ace No. 3 and Krazy Curry, all set to open this fall at District One, a section of retail located on the ground floor of One South, the tower formerly known as Bank of America Plaza.
- Coquette's new address will be 101 S Tryon St., across from the new McColl Park.