Brasserie Du Vin - The Iconic French-Inspired Honolulu Restaurant Closing

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Brasserie Du Vin - The Iconic French-Inspired Honolulu Restaurant Closing
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For Immediate Release Contact:
Miki Lee

Phone: (808) 779-7235

Brasserie Du Vin --
The Iconic French-Inspired Honolulu Restaurant Closing

After nearly nine years in operation, Brasserie Du Vin will close the doors to its Bethel Street eatery and wine bar on January 31, 2015. This surprising move is the result of a property lease dispute with the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union.

Brasserie Du Vin, is owned and operated by David Stewart, long-time Honolulu entrepreneur and restaurateur. Stewart, originally from New Zealand, and his wife, Mari, from London, traveled extensively through Europe. Once the Stewarts made Hawaii their home, they decided to recreate their favorite European experiences in downtown Honolulu. Since then, the 150 seat, nearly 4,000 square foot restaurant has served lunch and dinner six days a week, hosted private and special events, been the spot for first dates, marriage proposals, and wedding ceremonies, and has been featured in international magazines and television.

To create Du Vin, in the space formerly occupied by Harbor Lounge, Stewart oversaw a complete renovation and expansion, adding character to the bar and restaurant using furnishings and art from his own collection. Attention was given to every detail -- from the copper bar top and vintage artwork to the brick-lined garden courtyard -- to create the look and feel of a European eatery. The result... the moment guests stepped across Du Vin's doorway, they were transported to another place and time.

With a name like Brasserie Du Vin (translating loosely to "wine bar"), naturally, wine has been at the heart of the operation. Its wine program has won awards every year since Du Vin opened.

While boasting a diverse collection of 200+ bottles, Stewart was committed to keeping wine affordable and accessible, taking the formality and mystery out of the wine drinking experience.

When asked to comment on the impending closure, Stewart responded, "Foremost, I am proud of the impact Du Vin has made in Honolulu, especially being part of the exciting improvements to the downtown-Chinatown community in the last decade. I feel we provided something innovative, yet authentic to the local dining scene. I recognize the tenant is often not the winner in a lease dispute. However, I had hoped the property owners would give consideration the value Du Vin brings to the neighborhood, that rent was paid without fail, and that we have the experience of running a restaurant in the often tenuous food and beverage market.

Stewart goes on, "However, here we are. Not only does closing Du Vin affect our guests and neighbors, but it affects the 32 dedicated employees who have helped make us a success. I don't rule out another iteration of Du Vin, but my focus now is to gracefully close down this operation and to help our employees move on."

Stewart's other two, very different downtown establishments, Bar 35 and eleven44, continue to survive and thrive.

Fans and friends of Du Vin have until Midnight this Saturday, January 31 to say au revoir (goodbye) and enjoy their favorite dish or beverage; lunch and dinner service available. And as Du Vin's thanks to its customers, starting tonight, all spirits, wines by the glass and bottle and beer will be half off, day and night, no exceptions (while inventory lasts). Friends are also being invited to send in their favorite memory, photos or wish to post that will be posted on the Du Vin website. Send submissions to info@brasserieduvin.com.

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First Friday Hawaii News Item

Brasserie Du Vin - The Iconic French-Inspired Honolulu Restaurant Closing

First Friday Hawaii
News Item