One of Cape Town's much-loved wine bars French Toast has sent out notice that it will be closing down with immediate effect. The trendy spot on Bree Street had been open for just over two years. Here is the statement released by its PR company, Manley Communications:

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the permanent and immediate closure of French Toast.

Many in the local South African food & beverage industry will know that co-owner and primary shareholder, John Harrison, sadly passed away in November last year. Throughout 2012, John fiercely fought his long battle with cancer and his passion for French Toast was a key motivator for him to fight on as he had done with his numerous other successful business ventures. Unfortunately, operating French Toast without the presence of John has become financially unsustainable and has resulted in its immediate and permanent closure.

French Toast was a restaurant and wine bar that both John and his business partner Karin Visser had often dreamed about, and it grew to be everything that they had hoped for and more since opening in October 2010: FT became a favourite "local" for many Capetonians. Throughout the past two years, Karin and John - along with their staff - have met wonderful people in the industry and the public, hosted many memorable wine functions and special events; and even enjoyed a splash of publicity in Vanity Fair. "I am very proud of and humbled by what we have achieved, and certainly could not have done that without a great team," says Karin. "Thank you to everyone for all the many glasses of wine and tapas enjoyed over the last couple of years."

On behalf of French Toast, Karin would like to extend her thanks and appreciation for all of the continued support from patrons and suppliers over the past 2 years and 2 months. To new beginnings, many more toasts and happy endings!