The Marigny’s Sultriest Eatery is Reopening Next Month

The Franklin, Marigny’s chic corner bistro on Franklin Avenue and Dauphine Street, will reopen its doors in March after shutting down last summer to prepare for new leadership in the kitchen.

At the time of the closure, the plan was for chef Alex Harrell, who had just closed his French Quarter gem Angeline, to take over The Franklin’s kitchen. Harrell dropped those plans in August, citing difficulties getting on the same page with the various owners involved, while noting it was an amicable decision. Harrell went on to team up with the folks behind wine bar Bacchanal to serve as opening chef at the hotly-anticipated Elysian Bar in the new Peter & Paul Hotel, also in the Marigny.

When the plans with Harrell fell through, The Franklin’s co-owner, Michael Wilkinson, reconfirmed his plans to reopen the restaurant with the same name but another chef. Now, owners Wilkinson and Patrick Finney have added a partner, Ken Jackson, who opened Herbsaint with Donald Link, and general manager Will Davis, formerly of Cochon.

The Franklin became a neighborhood favorite in its four years open, known for its elegant and intimate atmosphere, a reliable bar program and interesting wine list, a solid selection of raw bar items, and French-inspired small plates. The Franklin’s new chef and plans for the menu have not yet been revealed.

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• Angeline’s Chef Alex Harrell Just Announced His New Restaurant [ENOLA]
• Angeline Restaurant Will Leave Its Home in the French Quarter [ENOLA]
• The Elysian Bar Will Open in the Marigny With Big Names at the Helm [ENOLA]
• Chef Alex Harrell drops plans to take over Marigny’s The Franklin [NOLA.COM]