Manhattn’s Burger to Replace Iconic Gibert Jeune Bookstore in Paris’s Latin Quarter
Paris, June 10 – A significant change is coming to Place Saint-Michel in the heart of Paris’s Latin Quarter. The former location of the iconic Gibert Jeune bookstore, which closed almost five years ago, will soon be home to a ‘New York-style’ burger restaurant named Manhattn’s Burger. The building permit for the new establishment has been approved by the City of Paris, marking a new chapter for the historic site.
A 360-Square-Meter Restaurant
The new Manhattn’s Burger will span over 360 square meters at 10 Place Saint-Michel. This development follows a period of debate and controversy surrounding the increasing presence of fast-food chains in the culturally significant Latin Quarter. Notably, the arrival of a Five Guys restaurant at 20 Boulevard Saint-Michel previously sparked public outcry.
However, Manhattn’s Burger has not faced the same level of opposition. The Belgian chain, which already operates two other locations in Paris (on Rue Montorgueil and Rue du Renard), emphasizes its ‘New York expertise’ and commitment to using fresh, daily-baked bread for its burgers, distinguishing itself from typical fast-food establishments.
Anouch Toranian, Deputy Mayor of Paris in charge of commerce, crafts, and liberal professions, had previously stated regarding Five Guys, “The Latin Quarter, a global emblem of culture, deserves better than yet another standardized restaurant chain.” However, the concept behind Manhattn’s, created by the Vandermeulen brothers, has been met with a more positive reception.
Local Officials Welcome the New Establishment
Jean-Pierre Lecoq (LR), the mayor of the 6th arrondissement, has expressed satisfaction with the upcoming arrival. “No objection to this restaurant project, which will revitalize a place that has been abandoned for too many years,” Lecoq told actu Paris. He added that it would contribute to a diversified culinary offering in the area, alongside a Thai restaurant expected to open by the end of the year at the corner of Rue Hautefeuille and Place Saint-André-des-Arts.
The Legacy of Gibert Jeune
The Gibert Jeune bookstore was a beloved institution on Place Saint-Michel for many years, known for its extensive collection of books and its significant cultural role in the Latin Quarter. Its closure nearly five years ago left a void that the new burger restaurant aims to fill, albeit with a different kind of offering.
The transformation of this prominent location reflects the evolving urban landscape and the changing commercial needs of Parisian neighborhoods. While some may lament the loss of a traditional bookstore, the arrival of Manhattn’s Burger is seen by local authorities as a positive step towards revitalizing a long-vacant space and enhancing the area’s appeal.
The restaurant is expected to open in the coming weeks, bringing a new culinary option to residents and visitors of the Latin Quarter.
Source: https://actu.fr/ile-de-france/paris_75056/un-specialiste-du-burger-remplace-gibert-en-plein-coeur-du-quartier-latin-a-paris_64371315.html
