Lyon, July 16 – Le Cintra, a celebrated cafe-restaurant located at 43, rue de la Bourse in Lyon’s 2nd arrondissement, has once again found itself in financial difficulty, leading to its placement in receivership by the economic activities court. The judgment sets the cessation of payments date for May 29, 2026. Despite the challenges, the restaurant’s manager, Julien Muller, describes the procedure as a “breath of fresh air” intended to preserve the establishment’s operations.
A Century of History on the Presqu’île
Established on the Presqu’île since 1921, Le Cintra has long been intertwined with Lyon’s political, economic, and social life. During its golden age in the 1970s and 1980s, it was a favored haunt for numerous elected officials, bankers, and merchants from Les Halles. The restaurant’s website recounts that members of the notorious “Gang des Lyonnais” even rubbed shoulders with Judge François Renaud within its walls. Taken over by the Muller family in 2004, Le Cintra has also hosted various film shoots, featuring actors such as Lino Ventura, Simone Signoret, and Fabrice Luchini.
Previous Restructuring and Current Financial Strain
This is not the first time Le Cintra has faced financial hurdles. The establishment underwent a previous restructuring plan in April 2011, with the final installment only settled in the first quarter of 2023. According to the latest available accounts, which closed on September 30, 2024, the restaurant’s net profit had significantly decreased, falling from approximately 95,000 euros to 32,000 euros in a single year.
Manager Cites Difficult Economic Climate
Speaking to Lyon Décideurs, manager Julien Muller attributed the current difficulties to a challenging economic climate. He cited factors such as heatwaves, the recent World Cup, and the payment of a VAT backlog following a tax audit. Muller emphasized that the receivership procedure is a management decision aimed at providing the establishment with the necessary breathing room to overcome these obstacles.
Long-Term Vision for Le Cintra
Despite the current predicament, Julien Muller, 45, remains committed to Le Cintra. He expressed his desire to continue managing the restaurant until he is 70 years old and to prepare his children to eventually take over the family business. This long-term vision underscores his dedication to the historic establishment.
Impact on Lyon’s Culinary Scene
Le Cintra’s situation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the hospitality sector, particularly historic establishments that contribute significantly to a city’s cultural heritage. The restaurant’s struggle comes at a time when other notable Lyon eateries have also faced difficulties, including the permanent closure of a highly-regarded vegetarian restaurant after eight years of operation.
As Le Cintra navigates this new period of receivership, the focus will be on the effectiveness of the proposed recovery plan and its ability to ensure the longevity of this iconic Lyon institution.
Source: https://actu.fr/https:/actu.fr/auvergne-rhone-alpes/lyon_69123/lyon-ce-celebre-restaurant-qui-a-105-ans-dans-la-tempete-il-est-place-en-redressement-judiciaire_64546981.html
