Trio, a longtime restaurant along Palm Springs’ main shopping strip, has abruptly closed after 17 years, according to its co-founder and former longtime owner, as well as online posts from diners.
The reason for the closure was unclear Saturday, Aug. 8. Diners with upcoming reservations shared notices online from Trio announcing that the restaurant was “heartbroken to share” that it had permanently closed and would have to cancel their reservations. Owner Chris McElroy, who joined Trio in 2014 and later became its owner, could not immediately be reached for comment.
Tony Marchese, who co-founded Trio but said he has not been an owner for more than a year, told The Desert Sun he learned by text while abroad that McElroy had decided to permanently close the restaurant, which was at 707 N. Palm Canyon Drive.
He said he was not involved in the decision and did not know what led to the closure, how many employees were affected or how much notice they received.
“On a personal level, I am heartbroken by the closure,” Marchese said in an email. “Trio has been an important part of my life and of the Palm Springs community for many years.”
Marchese said Trio represented years of work, relationships, celebrations and charitable events, and that his thoughts were especially with the employees, many of whom became like family during his years with the restaurant.
The closure does not affect TrioPSP at Palm Springs International Airport, which remains open and is separately owned and operated by Paradies Lagardère. Marchese said he hopes residents and visitors will continue supporting the airport location, saying it “means a great deal” that Trio will continue to welcome travelers to Palm Springs.
Marchese and former co-owner Mark Van Laanen opened Trio in 2009, and turned a former bank building into a restaurant that paired California cuisine and modern American flair with local artwork and, eventually, its recognizable bright orange décor.
Over the years, Trio supported local organizations and events across the Coachella Valley, including AAP – Food Samaritans, The Palm Springs Hospitality Association and Palm Desert Food & Wine.
Trio leased its space in a property currently listed for sale for $4.4 million, though it’s not clear whether the building sale is connected to the closure.
“Trio was never simply four walls and a restaurant sign,” Marchese said. “It was the employees who showed up every day, the guests who celebrated birthdays and anniversaries with us, the local organizations we supported, and a Palm Springs community that embraced us.”
(This story was updated with new information.)
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Trio restaurant closes suddenly after 17 years in Palm Springs
Reporting by Jennifer Cortez, Palm Springs Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Jennifer Cortez, Palm Springs Desert Sun | USA TODAY Network
