For over four decades, Le Petit Four has been a steady presence on Sunset Plaza, a place where French tradition met the lively spirit of Los Angeles. On March 31, 2025, this well-loved restaurant will close its doors, ending a 44-year run that made it a cornerstone for the community. The announcement, shared on Instagram, reflects the bittersweet reality of a small business facing economic challenges while expressing deep gratitude to the patrons who supported it through the years.
Le Petit Four opened its doors in 1981 as a small pastry shop, offering gourmet treats sourced from Paris’s renowned Fauchon. It quickly became a favorite among West Hollywood residents, earning a loyal following. By the late 1990s, lifelong friends Alexandre Morgenthaler and Robert Bigonnet transformed the space into a full restaurant, bringing warmth and personality to the establishment. In 2013, Morgenthaler took over as the sole owner, dedicating himself to making the restaurant a welcoming spot for all. Under his leadership, Le Petit Four became a Sunset Boulevard fixture, known for its sunflower-yellow awning and a menu that paired French classics with the dynamic energy of Los Angeles.
The restaurant’s mission, as stated on its website, was to create “unforgettable dining experiences where French tradition meets the electric energy of Los Angeles.” What began as a modest pastry shop grew into a Sunset Plaza landmark—a place where people gathered to enjoy good food and celebrate life’s moments. The website describes the experience: “Beneath our signature sunflower-yellow awning, every visit feels like a blend of timeless charm and West Hollywood flair. More than just a restaurant, Le Petit Four is a place to unwind, indulge, and soak in the magic of Sunset Boulevard—one plate at a time.” Over the years, it became a space where memories were made, from casual lunches to special occasions.
However, the challenges of running a small business in today’s economy proved too steep. In their Instagram announcement, Le Petit Four explained the reasons for the closure: “Owner Alexandre Morgenthaler, who has lovingly run Le Petit Four since 1999, did everything possible to keep our doors open. But with rising costs—including a 30% minimum wage increase since COVID and soaring rent—along with a decline in foot traffic, the decision became unavoidable.” Other independent restaurants have been facing similar struggles, as higher operating costs are making it harder to stay afloat.
Despite the closure, Le Petit Four’s message is one of gratitude: “PLEASE join us in our final days to enjoy the food, culture, and warmth that made this place so special. From our chefs, staff, and ownership—thank you for the decades of love and support. Let’s go out with a celebration of everything we’ve built together,” they wrote.
They’re encouraging the community to join in the farewell: “Come celebrate with us the many years of love, flavor, and memories that made Le Petit Four a Los Angeles favorite. Your support over the years has meant everything—and in this final stretch, we especially ask for your help in showing love to our incredible team of chefs, servers, and staff who poured their hearts into this place every single day. Let’s make these last moments count. Dine with us, share your stories, tag your memories, and help us go out with the celebration this landmark deserves.” The hashtags—#LePetitFourLA, #ThankYouLA, #SunsetPlaza, #FarewellLePetitFour—invite patrons to take part in the send-off.
Le Petit Four was open for 44 years. It stood as a welcoming spot on Sunset Boulevard, a place where people came together to share meals and create lasting memories. As the restaurant prepares to close, it leaves behind a legacy of connection and joy. In its final days, Le Petit Four invites its patrons to gather one last time—to share stories, enjoy the food, and honor the staff who made it all possible. For those who have dined under its iconic yellow awning, the closure marks the end of an era, but the memories of Le Petit Four will endure.
Typical one-note comments below.
Owner also cited reduced foot traffic and “soaring” rent.
Sometimes, restaurants just lose customers.
What a shame that West Hollywood’s City Council continues to place ideology above practical solutions and business realities, thereby destroying the hard-won successes of its small business community and residents who have depended on their conveniences and walk-ability.
Our radical city council and their extremist progressive policies at work destroying our city, one business at a time. At this rate, we’ll soon have more closed businesses than open.
This really sucks. This has been a venerable restaurant for years and I would imagine there are many others (e.g. The Den, Bottega Louie, Bossa Nova, Chin Chin) that will follow suit. All the people Council intended to benefit from these inflated wages/benefits are now all out of work. Bravo.