In front of the Invalides terminal, the Coca-Cola Food Fest has officially closed its doors, marking the end of a unique culinary experience designed to coincide with the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Originally scheduled to remain open until September 8, the food court shuttered its operations permanently on August 11, the evening of the Games' closing ceremony. This decision came as a surprise to many, especially given the initial excitement surrounding the venue, which welcomed 150,000 visitors during its brief six-week run.
Despite the impressive attendance figures, the early weeks of the Food Fest saw relatively low patronage, as many Parisians were away on vacation. Marine Carrié, communications manager at Coca-Cola France, acknowledged that the attendance before the Olympics was far below expectations, leading to concerns about sustaining interest during the quieter mid-August period. The company ultimately decided to cut losses and focus on future projects rather than risk a prolonged period of low foot traffic.
The Coca-Cola Food Fest featured a diverse menu crafted by renowned chefs, including two Michelin-starred Julien Dumas and celebrated pastry chef Claire Heitzler. Visitors were treated to a culinary journey that showcased international flavors in a vibrant setting, designed to attract both locals and tourists. However, the initial goal of attracting 2,500 visitors daily was deemed overly ambitious, as the reality of food court culture in France—where such venues have struggled to gain popularity—became evident.
Julien Dumas reflected on the experience, highlighting the powerful moments shared among visitors during the Olympics, which exemplified the event's ability to unite people from different backgrounds. The closure of the Food Fest is a reminder of the challenges faced by innovative dining concepts in Paris, even amidst the excitement of a global event like the Olympics.
