Public School to Replace Fraiche in Culver City?

For months now rumors have circulated that both Fraiche locations in Culver City and Santa Monica were deathwatched, or soon to shutter. The story behind Fraiche restaurant group itself is a sad one. In 2008 under guidance of original partners Jason Travi and Thierry Perez, Fraiche rose to ascension. Former NYT critic Frank Bruni named Fraiche Culver City one of the top 10 new restaurants in the country, and many packed tables later the team decided to open a new Italian concept in Santa Monica called Riva. First Perez parted, then Travi left, Riva was reborn as Fraiche under new management, and it was all down hill from there.

Last year Fraiche SM was listed for sale, Sam Nazarian considered the space (that deal fell through), and this past December a reader noted that both restaurants would shutter in the near future, despite words from owners and a claim of "zero plans to close."

And then early this year Fraiche CC did actually shutter for "remodeling" purposes, however the restaurant eventually resumed service.

On to the good stuff. Word on the street is that Fraiche CC has been sold to Grill Concepts LLC, aka the group that operates Grill on the Alley, Public School, and Daily Grill. An ABC license confirming this transition should post shortly. SO. Remember how Grill Concepts' downtown craft beer haunt Public School had plans to soon expand with a westside location? All signs point to this here space as the locale. Developing...
·ExpansionWire: Public School [~ELA~]
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