Rozelle's La Grande Bouffe to close, reopening as Le Coq rotisserie

Rozelle's La Grand Bouffe will close its doors on Saturday, a victim of Sydney's increasing restaurant over-supply and staff shortages.

The classic French restaurant has been a staple of Darling Street for 13 years. Its owner, David Poirier, cites availability of key staff and the salaries currently commanded "by chefs who can't even cook an omelette" as an ongoing issue.

An extra 3000 restaurant seats in central Sydney over the past six weeks has also contributed.

"The opening of The Tramsheds [at Harold Park] hasn't helped," says Poirier. "I'm sure they've taken a lot of trade from everyone."

His solution is to reboot with a simpler concept that's easier to staff. In February he'll open a French rotisserie, Le Coq, at the site.

"We'll cook duck and chicken on rotisseries with potatoes underneath. It'll still be restaurant-style eat in, but also a takeaway."