Grégoire's First Franchise Set to Open in San Francisco's Sunset District

Berkeley-based French-inspired restaurant Grégoire is expanding its reach with the opening of its first franchise location in San Francisco's Sunset District this November. Founded by chef Grégoire Jacquet, the restaurant is known for its potato puffs, fried chicken sandwiches, and seasonal menu offerings. Jacquet credits the restaurant's takeout-only model for its success during the pandemic, and its scalability has led to the decision to franchise. With 100 inquiries received so far, Jacquet is optimistic about the future of his brand.

Key Takeaways:

• Grégoire, a French-inspired restaurant, is expanding with its first franchise location in San Francisco's Sunset District.
• The restaurant offers a seasonal menu with potato puffs, fried chicken sandwiches, and salads, among other options.
• Grégoire's takeout-only model proved viable during the pandemic and influenced the decision to franchise.
• Chef Grégoire Jacquet is optimistic about the future of his brand, with 100 inquiries received so far for potential franchisees.
• The new location will be at 1300 9th Ave. in the Sunset District, with a central commissary kitchen in Emeryville preparing food for all locations.
• Jacquet has found three anonymous franchisees, who have operated restaurants together in the past, to run the San Francisco location.
• Grégoire is using a unique approach to find franchisees, offering a $10,000 finder's fee to anyone who refers a successful franchisee.
• Jacquet hopes to find more franchisees to operate brick-and-mortar locations or food trucks across the Bay Area.

Statistics:

• 100 inquiries received for potential franchisees so far.
• First franchisee found when a customer approached Jacquet's food truck at the Alameda Antique Fair.
• Three locations planned, with one opening in San Francisco's Sunset District in November and two more in the Bay Area.
• Food prepared at a central commissary kitchen in Emeryville, with final touches added at each location.
• $10,000 finder's fee offered to anyone who refers a successful franchisee.

Sources:

• "After 23 years in Berkeley, beloved French-inspired restaurant Grégoire is set to open its first franchise in San Francisco early this November" - [1]
• Restaurant spokesperson, Grégoire Jacquet quote - [1]
• "He (the first franchisee) was walking the fair, and he looked at the truck. The truck was brand new and super shiny and is a very different (kind of food) truck" - [1]
• Jacquet's quote on the restaurant's location - [1]
• "My franchisees saw the location, I saw the location (and) I just fell in love with it" - [1]