Entrecôte Dublin Temporarily Shuts Down Amidst PR Controversy

Entrecôte Dublin has temporarily shut down just three weeks after its grand opening on September 25. The steak restaurant, located in Powerscourt Townhouse Centre, became the center of controversy amid its association with the well-known French chain Entrecôte.

Background of the Controversy

Initially announced as part of a celebrated French culinary legacy, Paul McGlade Jnr, the owner, clarified that Entrecôte Dublin is not affiliated with the Entrecôte chain. Instead, it is an independent establishment inspired by the concept.

This miscommunication caused confusion among potential customers and critics alike, leading to a wave of scrutiny over the restaurant’s authenticity. The official statement from McGlade Jnr emphasized that Entrecôte Dublin focuses on high-quality steak and unlimited fries without connections to similar eateries worldwide.

Closure Details

Despite its short-lived operation, Entrecôte Dublin is now listed as ‘permanently closed’ on major platforms such as Google and OpenTable. In a recent statement provided to the Irish Independent, the restaurant described the closure as a necessary period for maintenance and menu revamping. They expressed a keen interest in returning with an enhanced dining experience.

Initial Reception and Review

The restaurant’s first reviews have not been favorable. Food critic Lucinda O’Sullivan offered a lukewarm critique in her review for the Irish Independent on October 14, highlighting disappointing food quality and slow service. The review’s headline underscored the lackluster experience, stating: “The food was so-so and the service slow-slow at this Dublin ode to a French classic.”

Social Media Buzz

Following the abrupt closure, conversations on social media platforms like Reddit have surged. Users expressed disbelief over the swift shutdown, with numerous comments questioning the business strategy behind the restaurant. One user even remarked on a notice displayed at the restaurant indicating a temporary closure for private events.

Customer Feedback

• One TripAdvisor review described the experience as “Stringy meat, frozen chips, and pepper sauce from a catering bucket.”
• Customers described the establishment as lacking genuine French character.

As Entrecôte Dublin navigates this challenging period, there is hope for a revival with improved offerings and services. The culinary landscape eagerly awaits updates on their reopening plans.