One legend to another: chef Rob Feenie taking over Le Crocodile as Michel Jacob retires

by Mike Usinger on February 9th, 2024 at 10:06 AM

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The city’s most fabled French restaurant is about to close one chapter and open another. This spring, Le Crocodile chef Michel Jacob will retire from the iconic fine-dining spot that he opened in 1983. Taking over the restaurant, which has enjoyed a 40-year run as one of the best celebrated culinary destinations on the West Coast, will be none other than Rob Feenie.

Le Crocodile as we know it under the guidance of Jacob will have its last day on April 30. Following a renovation, it will reopen in May as Le Crocodile by Rob Feenie.

After moving to Vancouver from Strasbourg, France, Jacob set out to give classic French cooking a West Coast flair with Le Crocodile, naming his restaurant in tribute to the Michelin-starred Au Crocodile in his hometown. One of his early proteges was Feenie, who worked alongside Jacob in the kitchen from 1992 to 1995, and who has since become one of Canada’s most recognizable celebrity chefs.

In a release announcing his retirement Jacob said, “It is time for a well-deserved retirement. I am so happy to have found a remarkable successor, my dear friend, who is like family to me and shares my passion for French cuisine, chef Rob Feenie. I know the next chapter of Le Crocodile will be just as incredible. I feel extremely grateful and content for the career I’ve enjoyed. Thank you to my staff, customers, and all those who have believed in Le Crocodile since day one.”

Feenie added: “I got my start at Le Crocodile as a sous chef, working alongside Michel, who I long consider my mentor, dear friend, and family. Simply put, I love to make great food; I could not think of a better place to represent who I am as a chef and what I love to do. I am deeply honoured Michel is entrusting me with continuing the legacy he has started at Le Crocodile and look forward to sharing more details in the coming weeks and months.”