Community

Why Grégoire’s Founder Wants Franchisees to Build Relationships in Their Communities

Grégoire’s community-first approach helped build a loyal following in Berkeley. It’s also at the heart of how the brand chooses and supports franchisees.

At Grégoire, a restaurant concept that pairs fine dining-style food with carry-out service, a focus on customer service and community connection has helped build a devoted following over the years.

For founder Grégoire Jacquet, it started in 2002, when he made a point of opening his first location close to his home in Berkeley, California.

“It was important to me that I opened a business where I resided. I wanted to build something where I could walk to work and where my wife and kids could come visit. When you run a business, you have to understand your customer. The only way to do that is to focus on your neighborhood. I was the face of the brand and I was really in touch with my customer.”Grégoire Jacquet, Founder

Knowing Every Customer

Jacquet knew his customers by name, and often knew their orders before they said a word. He wants franchisees to feel that same connection, which is why Grégoire looks for owners who will build a business in their own neighborhood.

“It’s your responsibility to make sure the customer is well taken care of. Customer service isn’t something you learn, it’s something you are.”Grégoire Jacquet, Founder

He encourages franchisees to build ties with local schools and businesses, to get involved with the chamber of commerce, and to show up at local fairs and events. “I always did that and it’s so much fun,” he said.

Training and Support Behind the Scenes

Community is one part of how Grégoire sets franchisees up. Owners also get training and ongoing support.

“Every day I am amazed that I can leave my business to run itself. To not have to go in every day and know that my team is doing such a great job keeping the quality and the customer happy is the biggest achievement year after year. Having a team that is set up for success helps me focus on making the business better from behind the scenes.”Grégoire Jacquet, Founder

For example, the brand’s culinary hub kitchen handles food prep and delivery to each location, which takes a large share of the day-to-day kitchen work off the owner’s plate.

“Everything has been designed for quality control and to make things easy for owners. You have to train your franchisee so that they feel comfortable to run the business the way we want them to run it. Then, support them and always be there when they have a question and be able to help them every step of the way.”Grégoire Jacquet, Founder

Loyalty That Lasts

Jacquet’s focus on community is part of how he has carefully planned every detail of Grégoire, from the restaurant itself to the seasonal menu and the signature takeout box. The result is chef-quality, locally sourced food usually found at sit-down restaurants, served quickly and conveniently to go.

That attention to detail has built lasting loyalty. Many customers have been coming for years, and so have the partners: Jacquet has worked with the same local, family-run farm, Catalan Farm, for most of the time he’s been in business, and many team members have been with him for a long time.

“When you get a customer in the door, you have to make sure you take care of them by knowing them. It doesn’t have to be a ten-minute conversation, but just talking to them and showing interest in who they are makes all the difference. If you do not care for others then this isn’t the business for you.”Grégoire Jacquet, Founder

This information is not intended as an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, a franchise. Franchise offerings are made only by Franchise Disclosure Document.