How to Open a French Restaurant Abroad?

Many professionals are considering opening their restaurant abroad. But what are the true advantages of embarking on this venture? How can one differentiate their business within another culture? In this article, we will explore which countries to choose, the budget to anticipate, and the necessary authorizations.

How to Open a French Restaurant Abroad and Stand Out

Replicating a Distinct 'French-style' Ambiance

The 'French-style' ambiance primarily involves offering a warm atmosphere and impeccable service. Strive to recreate this atmosphere in your establishment as much as possible.

Above all, avoid clichés such as a 'Paris' theme and poor taste. Instead, focus on a collection of refined small details, such as your table settings and the attire of your servers. Furthermore, for authenticity, do not hesitate to hire staff who are fluent in French.

Modernizing Traditional Dishes

French gastronomy no longer needs to prove itself abroad; it is appreciated for its numerous typical dishes that vary from region to region. Despite the cultural richness found in each of these traditional dishes, it is also essential to modernize the French dishes you intend to offer.

Customers are increasingly seeking organic, vegan, or vegetarian options. Fusion concepts blending two cultures are also very popular and trending. Depending on the country where you wish to establish your business, it will be essential to adapt your menu according to the local culture and consumption habits.

Refining Your Food and Wine Menu

It will be essential for your restaurant to refine your menu. Whether it's the food menu or the wine list, it is crucial that it is comprehensive and appeals to everyone. Cured meats, dishes in sauce, cheeses, and wines are examples of items you can select. Discover in detail how to create your wine list.

Select quality products that are as close as possible to those found in France. Carefully consider your suppliers: you will need to work with local products and anticipate what you will import to align with the tradition of French cuisine. The same applies to wines: take the time to curate your selection and include quality wines that are representative of French winemaking expertise.

Selecting your country and project preparation

Which country should you choose to open your restaurant?

When selecting the country for your establishment, it's crucial to consider the type of cuisine you intend to offer. For instance, if your focus is primarily on meat dishes, Argentina is highly recommended. For fish and seafood, Peru and Chile are excellent choices. As for cultural and culinary diversity, Canada...

Tailor these destinations to the languages you speak, or start learning them now! Aim for a relatively tourist-friendly country with people eager to discover French cuisine. Here's a brief ranking of the most favorable countries for business creation, according to Tactill.com:

1 - New Zealand

2 - Canada

6 - Singapore

7 - Australia

8 - Hong Kong

10 - Portugal

14 - Belgium

15 - Taiwan

Also, consider the local processes for opening a restaurant; some countries have more protectionist policies than others. In the United States, for instance, the procedures for opening a restaurant are simpler compared to other nations.

What budget is required to open a restaurant abroad?

Regarding the budget required, this will also depend on the country and city you choose. Some locations have premises that are more or less expensive for establishing your restaurant. Additionally, factor in the cost of living in the chosen country for your accommodation and the procurement of your raw materials from suppliers.

To provide an overview of the budget needed to open your restaurant abroad, here is a list of potential expenses you might incur:

• Business formation costs: depending on the country, establishing your company may incur variable expenses.
• Insurance costs: some countries mandate compulsory insurance policies for opening your restaurant.
• Training fees: certain permits or licenses are contingent upon completing mandatory training courses.
• Cost of purchasing or leasing your premises
• Fit-out costs: renovations, furnishings, tableware, decoration, etc.
• Purchase of kitchen equipment
• Procurement of inventory and raw materials

You must also anticipate your restaurant's operating expenses, which are the expenditures required to run your business:

• Staff salaries
• Invoices (water, energy...)
• Inventory management
• Maintenance costs

What are the processes and authorizations required to acquire an existing business?

Regarding the necessary authorizations for opening a restaurant abroad, the most common scenario involves acquiring an existing business.

It is crucial to thoroughly research the administrative procedures abroad, especially regarding legal statuses, available aid, and tax legislation. Do not hesitate to seek advice from locals or contacts on site who can guide you in opening your restaurant overseas.

French gastronomy: an export asset

French gastronomy: a guarantee of success abroad

What does France evoke abroad? Luxury, haute gastronomy, and Parisian chic. These are excellent foundations for promoting French culture. For many, France, and by extension French cuisine, signifies genuine expertise and a definite assurance of quality, even excellence.

The 'gastronomic meal of the French' was inscribed by UNESCO over 10 years ago on the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list. Perhaps this is a sign for you to embark on a culinary venture abroad? Many catering professionals have built successful careers outside of France.

Notable examples include:

• Guillaume Galliot: This three-Michelin-starred chef has achieved significant success in Hong Kong. The Chinese population is particularly fond of and knowledgeable about French cuisine and gastronomy.
• Daniel Boulud: With approximately twenty establishments worldwide today, Daniel Boulud was named the world's best restaurateur in 2021. His venues can be found in the United States, Canada, London, Dubai, and Singapore.
• Alain Caron: Having become a public figure in Amsterdam, Alain Caron participated in the Masterchef show, opened 4 restaurants, and regularly organizes culinary festivals.

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