After more than 25 years serving hungry diners in Seattle, the Chef in the Hat, Thierry Rautureau plans to close up Rover’s in April.

He says he wants to make it clear that they’re not selling or going bankrupt, but had to make a hard decision about whether to renew a lease.

“It wasn’t easy.”

The restaurant is actually doing quite well and Rautureau says he’s proud that Rover’s is going out on such a high note.

In fact, it was just awarded 29 out of 30 for both service and food in the new Zagat ratings.

Rautureau says the emotions didn’t really hit him until Monday after the news was announced and he began receiving hundreds of emails and telephone calls recalling memories and good times at Rover’s.

But he’s thrilled with what the future holds. He won’t go into the details yet, but he does have other plans. Rautureau also runs his restaurant Luc, co-hosts Seattle Kitchen on KIRO Radio, and is working on a TV show called Kitchen Circus.

Rover’s last day will be April 28. Rautureau says he doesn’t really have plans for a party, but admits he “won’t be able to resist.”