The employees of the renowned Brussels restaurant Chez Leon say goodbye to owner Rudy Vanlancker (63). He belonged to the fifth generation to run the family business
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“It is with great sadness and heavy heart that we announce the passing of our dear boss Mr Rudy.” This is stated on the Facebook page of the iconic mussel restaurant. The case remains closed on this day of mourning.
In 1888, Vanlancker’s great-great grandfather Léon Vanlancker laid the foundations for what would later become a successful catering group with A la ville d’Anvers. What started as a modest restaurant with only five seats, grew 130 years later into an international company with branches in Belgium, France, England and Taiwan.
Mussels with fries
During the 1958 World Expo, the eatery turned out to be the undisputed ambassador of mussels and chips. A reputation they uphold to this day.
When Rudy Vanlancker took over the business from his father in 1989, the company grew rapidly across national borders. Our southern neighbors got to know Léon de Bruxelles. Vanlancker opened some 85 branches in France in 25 years. Although he would later strip those French establishments of any reference to our capital: ‘De Bruxelles, that no longer sells’, Vanlancker explained at the time.The newspapaer.
Big loss
In 2018, Vanlancker took over Aux Armes de Bruxelles, right opposite Chez Léon in the Beenhouwersstraat. His death means a great loss for the Brussels hospitality industry. He has devoted his entire life to his restaurant and will leave a great void in the hearts of his family, his team and his customers. You were the soul of Chez Léon, rest in peace Monsieur Rudy,” the Facebook post continues.
But the succession is assured. Son Kevin Vanlancker will succeed his father, the family reports on their website.
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