Remembering Xavier “Avi” De Yparraguirre
Some losses are hard to put into words, especially when the news is sudden. The Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce is heartbroken to share that Xavier “Avi” De Yparraguirre, the beloved restaurateur behind Maison Marcel and Le Petit Marcel, has passed away following a tragic scooter accident. Avi was a warm, creative, deeply thoughtful presence in our neighborhood, and his love for French food, hospitality, and bringing people together left a beautiful mark on Broadway.
Avi first became part of the Lakeview East story through Maison Marcel, bringing a beautiful little piece of French bakery and café culture to Broadway. It was the kind of place that made you want to slow down for a minute, order something lovely, catch up with a friend, and pretend the rest of the city could wait. In early interviews, he talked about wanting to share his love of food with Chicago and create a space where people felt comfortable, welcomed, and taken care of. That feeling is exactly what made Maison Marcel such a special neighborhood spot.
Most recently, Avi brought that same spirit to Le Petit Marcel at 2914 N. Broadway, adding another warm, charming, unmistakably French gathering place to Lakeview East. We were lucky to celebrate both of his ribbon cuttings with him, and even luckier to work with him on a sneak peek Supper Club at Le Petit Marcel before the restaurant officially opened. He cared deeply about the details, the welcome, and the experience people had when they walked through his doors.
And if you knew Avi through the neighborhood, you knew he was not someone who simply opened a business and disappeared behind the scenes. He showed up, joined in, and was part of the rhythm of Broadway, whether that meant hosting guests for a beautiful dinner or being a friendly face making cocktails behind the counter. That kind of presence matters. It is what turns a restaurant owner into a neighbor, and a business into part of the community.
For those who knew Avi, he was so much more than a business owner. He was a host in the truest sense, someone who cared about the feeling of a place just as much as the food on the table. He understood the little things that make people want to linger: the lighting, the welcome, the flowers, the perfect table, the first bite, the way a room could make an ordinary night feel special.
His work brought so much beauty and warmth to Broadway, from the soft, easy charm of Maison Marcel to the cozy, romantic glow of Le Petit Marcel. These were not just restaurants. They were places people came to celebrate, catch up, sit a little longer, and feel taken care of.
Avi’s passing is a heartbreaking loss for his family, friends, team, guests, and the entire Lakeview East business community. We are holding his loved ones, the Maison Marcel and Le Petit Marcel teams, and everyone grieving this sudden loss close in our hearts.
We are so grateful for the care, creativity, hospitality, and unmistakable French spirit Avi shared with Lakeview East. His presence will be deeply missed, but the spaces he created and the memories made inside them will remain part of the neighborhood he helped make more beautiful.
