T
he iconic La Grenouille restaurant has closed its doors after six decades of serving Manhattan's elite. The historic building at 3 E. 52nd St., which housed the beloved French eatery since 1962, has been sold to a shell company for $14.3 million.

    According to sources, the storied space will be transformed into a Chinese restaurant or an Asian cuisine establishment. The property's exterior and interior have undergone various transformations over the years, from its origins as a stable in 1913 to its current form.

    La Grenouille was once a hotspot for celebrities and fashionistas, including Yves Saint Laurent, Diane Von Furstenberg, Frank Sinatra, Madonna, Rod Stewart, and Prince. However, in recent years, the restaurant struggled with declining crowds and financial issues. The IRS placed estate tax liens on the property after Gisèle Masson's passing in 2014.

    The brothers Charles and Philippe Masson had a tumultuous relationship, with Philippe taking over management in 2014 and introducing evening cabarets, which drove away loyal customers. Despite efforts to revamp the menu and atmosphere, the restaurant struggled to regain its former glory. The space was shuttered during COVID and again due to a gas leak before reopening to sparse crowds.

    The sale of La Grenouille marks the end of an era for Manhattan's culinary scene, but it also presents an opportunity for a new owner to bring fresh energy and ideas to the historic location.