Gad Elmaleh to Transform Iconic Paris Cabaret into Comedy Club

Chez Michou, the emblem of Montmartre and cabaret, will soon be the property of Gad Elmaleh. The French justice authorizes him to buy the business of the mythical Parisian establishment, in judicial liquidation, since mid-July, reports Le Parisien. The comedian "will make it a place of comedy and humor, while preserving the soul of the place," said the actor’s communication service on Tuesday. However, he did not buy the "Chez Michou" brand.

Catherine Catty-Jacquart, Michou’s niece, is delighted that the establishment has fallen into good hands as Michou, its founder who died in early 2020, would have liked. "We would have been unhappy if the place became something other than a cabaret. It won’t be called Chez Michou anymore, but Gad is going to make it a very nice place. It’s a good thing to turn the page, by taking a turn."

For the (PS) mayor of the 18th arrondissement, Éric Lejoindre, choosing the Moroccan-Canadian comedian is "a good surprise and good news" in this takeover project. "We were not aware at the town hall. Gad Elmaleh is a serious person that I will be pleased to meet when the time comes. What’s good is that Chez Michou remains a place of performance and humor as he plans."

The residents of the neighborhood do not hide their relief. "The Michou page is definitely turning and it’s sad but the takeover by Gad Elmaleh is excellent news, because this place retains its artistic dimension and there was not yet a Comedy club in Montmartre. I will hurry to contact the comedian to offer to be the godfather of our Christmas market," rejoices Brice Moyse, president of the Lepic-Abbesses traders association.