In 2010, Didier and Julianne Murat transformed a Main Street laundromat in Vergennes, Vermont into a French-inspired bakery, the popular Vergennes Laundry. Seven years later, they’re moving on to new adventures, having sold their beloved restaurant in October to Chef Christian Kruse, who aims to bring high-quality, locally inspired dining to the Vergennes community.
Kruse turned to Venture 7 Advisors to help him navigate the process of negotiating and completing the purchase of the restaurant. We worked with Chef Kruse, his attorney, insurance company, and The National Bank of Middlebury to work out the details and finalize the deal. The sellers, Didier and Julianne, were represented by Wendy Beach, from the Hearthside Group, (https://hearthsidegroup.com/).
“I’m extremely grateful to Scott Hardy and the Venture 7 team for the meticulous way they facilitated the purchase of my first restaurant,” said Chef Kruse. “Scott’s focus, experience and relentless determination gave me great confidence that I had made the right decision in pursuing my dream.”
"My culinary experience has taken me across the country and back,” said Chef Kruse, “but it’s always been my dream to open my own restaurant. When I heard that the Laundry was for sale, I knew it was the perfect fit!"
2016 was a monumental year for the 33-year-old chef. He received an invitation to cook at the prestigious James Beard House in New York City, won the “Chef of the Year” award from the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, and was the Culinary Cup Winner at the annual Culinary Classic event at the University of Vermont.