Hoffmanns announce plans to purchase the Bleu Provence French eatery in Naples
The Bleu Provence in Old Naples will soon change hands.
The soon-to-be new owners of the award-winning French restaurant? The Hoffmanns.
On Thursday, the Hoffmann Family of Cos. announced the purchase – the latest in a long string of acquisitions in Southwest Florida and beyond.
In a phone interview, David Hoffmann, the company's founder and chairman, shared the primary reasons for his interest.
"One, we liked the real estate. So, we bought the building," he said. "Then two, that has been one of my favorite restaurants in Naples."
The deal is expected to close within 45 days, with a signed letter of intent in hand.
"We are definitely going to close," Hoffmann said confidently. "We always close."
Terms of the sale were not disclosed.
The restaurant is located at 1234 Eighth Street S., near the City Dock.
In case you missed it: Hoffmann family acquires another business: This time it's a manufacturer in Indiana.
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A 'labor of love'
According to the restaurant's website, Jacques and Lysielle Cariot opened the eatery as a "labor of love" in 1999 after "retiring to Naples," from Provence, France. Today, the restaurant's "wine cave" boasts more than 60,000 bottles, representing more than 5,520 different wines from around the world.
The restaurant's selection of wines and Wine Spectator Grand rating also piqued Hoffmann's interest, as the Hoffmanns own a few wineries of their own. He plans to add a few of his family's wines to the offerings at Bleu Provence.
"We are in two Wine Spectator 100 restaurants in Missouri now. This will be the third with our wine," Hoffmann said.
Lysielle has served as the executive chef, while Jacques has held the title of "wine extraordinaire" at the restaurant.
They'll transition out of the business, so they can retire, but their children will remain involved, staying put, along with all of the other employees, Hoffmann said.
The Cariots could not immediately be reached for comment.
A bigger vision for the restaurant
While no immediate changes are planned to the menu, or operations, Hoffmann has a bigger vision for the property. In time, he plans to section off a quarter or half of the building for a private, members-only dining club. It's something that's in demand, especially with the temporary closure of the exclusive Port Royal Club in Naples, damaged by Hurricane Ian, Hoffmann said.
The new private club, he said, may not open for two years, requiring a redesign of the building.
"I shoot first. Then aim second," Hoffmann said.
However, expect to see upgrades to the building nearly immediately after it changes hands, including a fresh coat of paint, as is customary when the Hoffmanns acquire any already-built real estate.
Who are the Hoffmanns?
Headquartered in Naples, the Hoffmann Family of Cos. and its affiliates rank as the largest privately held commercial real estate firm in the city.
The family now owns 43 properties in Southwest Florida. That includes agricultural land, industrial buildings, commercial rental properties, event and sports venues, golf courses – and much more, including several newspapers.
With a focus on the hospitality industry, the Hoffmanns have ownership in a few local restaurants, including Tacos & Tequila, but nothing as fancy as Bleu Provence in Naples.
"We are more gravitating to a fine-dining atmosphere," Hoffmann said. "That's what we do in other parts of the country. And Bleu Provence fits that to a 'T.'"
The Hoffmanns once owned The Bevy, a popular eatery in the Third Street South shopping and dining district in Naples. They resold it a few years ago after getting an offer they couldn't refuse.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Bleu Provence: Naples restaurant to be sold to Hoffman Family of Cos.