The PR firm handling the opening of the Dublin restaurant has since released a statement noting it had “terminated its relationship with Entrecôte Dublin effective immediately”.
The query from the Irish Independent to the restaurant comes after Google Maps listed the restaurant as closed.
In response, Entrecôte Dublin said: “Entrecote Dublin has welcomed hundreds of customers in recent weeks and is grateful for the custom and feedback.
“We are now closed for a brief time for some maintenance and to revamp our menu. We will reopen soon with a new and improved offering. We look forward to seeing our customers again soon.”
Entrecôte Dublin on Clarendon Street, Dublin 2. Photo: Photocall
Today’s News in 90 Seconds – Friday, October 17
Ahead of its launch on September 25, a press release described Entrecôte Dublin as part of the “beloved French institution”, with locations in Paris, London, New York and more.
The statement led to widespread confusion, with numerous media reports that Dublin was getting an official branch of the famous chain.
The restaurant, which held its grand opening on September 25, had earlier sparked confusion when a press release implied it was affiliated with the internationally known French Entrecôte group.
However, the international chain later denied it had any link to the new Dublin restaurant.
It has since emerged that Entrecôte Dublin is merely “inspired” by the French-dining experience in the original restaurants, such as Le Relais de Venise: Son Entrecôte.
Since opening, Entrecôte Dublin has operated on a walk-in-only basis, serving Tipperary-sourced steaks with the restaurant’s own version of the classic French sauce, accompanied by hand-cut Irish fries.
Entrecôte Dublin has confirmed it is ‘closed for a brief time’
Paul McGlade, the founder behind the Dublin venture, previously clarified the restaurant’s position, stating: “Entrecôte Dublin is a new independent restaurant offering a French-inspired dining experience, no bookings, high-quality steak, unlimited fries and so on,” he said.
“Entrecôte Dublin is not associated with similar L’Entrecôte / Entrecôte restaurants around the world.
“There are many separate operators inspired by a similar concept, which originated in France.
“We would like to clarify that while we were keen to convey the influence of the well-known concept on the offering, Entrecôte Dublin is an independent business and looks forward to continuing to provide this concept to Dublin diners,” he added.