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Le Figaro is saying au revoir

An iconic French restaurant in Rock Island is saying au revoir at the end of the month, marking an end of an era for upscale dining in the Quad Cities. Le Figar...

An iconic French restaurant in Rock Island is saying au revoir at the end of the month, marking an end of an era for upscale dining in the Quad Cities.

Le Figaro has been on 2nd Avenue for 33 years, but owner and head chef Rachid Bouchareb says he is retiring and closing the restaurant.

"We're closing. June 30th will be our last day," said Chef Rachid. "I'll be 65. It's getting a little bit tiring."

But the end is bittersweet. The first-class eatery known for its tender fillets with decadent sauces and Dover Sole, was the site of generations of birthdays, anniversaries, engagements, and other celebrations.

The chef gets choked up thinking about all the customers who have become friends over the years, but hopes someone takes the place over.

"This was my second home. I hope somebody comes along, does something better than I did. I really do," he said.

He and his wife Therese took a gamble opening the fine dining establishment in Rock Island in the 80s, just before the economic downturn.

"It did pay off, and it's been a wonderful ride," he said.

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