LE Figaro restaurant, the once-popular Reid Street, Hamilton bistro, has closed for business.

It is understood that Paul Duclos, owner and executive chef of the French eatery, shut its doors at the beginning of this year amid financial and family difficulties.

Mr. Duclos' wife, accountant Doylette, was jailed for a year this week after stealing more than $100,000 from two companies, and using the funds to pay for Le Figaro's work permits, payroll tax and bills.

Le Figaro, opened in 1996 by Frank Schmitz, flourished for many years as the island's only French bistro.

Mounting debts, attributed to an allegedly failed wine shop venture linked to the store, led to the sale of the business to Mr. Duclos in August of 2001. Mr. Duclos had been employed as a chef at the restaurant since it first opened for business.

"I am delighted," he said at the time. "It is about time. The price was right and I went for it. It is every chef's dream to one day own your own restaurant. Le Figaro is a great restaurant and it is what I wanted to do."

Yesterday, Mr. Duclos could not be reached for comment.

The owner of the Canadian Hotel complex in which the restaurant is located, Thomas Powell, said that at the moment, he had no plans for the now vacant spot.