Shortly After Rebranding and Remodeling, a French Bistro in Memorial is Closing

According to an email sent by owner Genevieve Guy, the last day of service at Bistro 555 at 13636 Memorial will be January 30. It is a surprising decision. The restaurant, formerly known as Bistro Provence, was completely remodeled and reopened in September with the new name. This development ends a run of nearly 23 years in business at the same location, which was known for serving both classic and modern French cuisine in a casual setting. The restaurant was originally founded by Guy’s father- and mother-in-law, Chef Georges and Monique Guy, who eventually retired to France after long careers running restaurants in Houston.

Guy decided to close because she and her family are moving to Austin, where she will work with her husband, French Country Wines proprietor Jean-Philippe Guy, to develop new restaurant clients for wine sales. The French Country Wines shop in Rice Village will remain open, according to Jean-Philippe.

Genevieve Guy at Bistro Provence
Genevieve Guy, owner of Bistro Provence, later renamed Bistro 555, is heading for a new career in wine sales. Photo by Phaedra Cook.

“I have new new opportunities and I definitely want to spend more time with the hubby and daughter,” said Genevieve Guy. 

Until it closes, Bistro 555 will continue serving lunch and dinner, and also has a takeout menu, which includes à la carte selections as well as special family meal packs featuring entrées such as Beef Burgundy and Shepherd’s Pie. ​Call (713) 827-8008 or send an email to place an order or to make a dine-in reservation.

Bistro 555 is open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for lunch and 5 to 8 p.m. for dinner on Mondays, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for lunch and 5 to 9 p.m. for dinner Tuesdays through Thursdays,  11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for lunch and 5 to 10 p.m. for dinner on Fridays and 5 to 9 p.m. for dinner only on Saturdays. The restaurant is closed on Sundays.

Genevieve Guy’s farewell letter is below in its entirety.

Dear friends,

It is with many mixed feelings that I am contacting you to let you know Saturday, January 30, will be Bistro 555’s last day. It is with excitement, however, that this begins a new chapter for my family and me as we will be moving to Austin.

Your support through all these many years, and especially during this ongoing pandemic, means more to me than I could ever express in writing or even in person. I appreciate all of you so much.

Thank you for letting all of us at the Bistro get to know your families, friends and coworkers. Thank you for letting us share your celebrations, be of comfort for bad times, join in the farewells and participate in joy of weddings and births. You have made our little bistro a part of a larger family.

In the remaining days, please come in and let us say goodbye in person. It would mean a lot to see you.

All the best,

Geny Guy

Comments (5)

Share Your Thoughts on This Article

  • January 27, 2021 at 11:37 amSusan Ann

    We have our reservation for this Thursday evening. We adore Genevive – her gentle manner, grace, and killer wine list. Austin is a fabulous city and you and your family are sure to love it there. You and Bistro Provence/Bistro 555 will be greatly missed.

    Reply
  • January 21, 2021 at 11:17 amMonica Oltean

    Best wishes to you Geny, your family and staff..esp Bianca! I will miss having my work lunches at your little bistro and bringing my mother for our one on one luncheons. Wishing the best in 2021! Warm Regards, Monica O.

    Reply
    • January 21, 2021 at 11:21 amGeny

      Thanks for your kind words! I will keep you updated on what is next for Bistro 555!

      Reply
  • January 20, 2021 at 1:27 pmMark Wst

    Going to miss you Geny, and Jean-Philippe. We’ll try to come by before you close. Je suis triste que nous devions partir.
    Mark and Ginge

    Reply
    • January 21, 2021 at 11:22 amGeny

      Thanks for your kind words! I will keep you updated on what is next for Bistro 555!

      Reply