Some of the best restaurant stories come from unexpected chaos. At Le Bouchon, a beloved French restaurant in Chicago, the team shares what it’s like working double shifts, reconnecting during family meal, and building a lasting restaurant culture.
In this episode of Family Meal, we sit down with the individuals who have kept Le Bouchon a success for over 30 years. From surviving the day the entire brick façade collapsed before service to gathering every afternoon to regroup, their stories highlight the grit and connection that define life inside a neighborhood French restaurant.
You’ll hear candid restaurant stories like:
– The night, the front of Le Bouchon literally fell to the ground, and how the team still managed to open their doors later that evening.
– Why a daily family meal is the glue that holds restaurant culture together.
– The reality of working double shifts and finding a moment of zen in between services.
– How the front and back of house work together in a small French restaurant environment.
– The challenges facing the industry today, from the rise of tipped wages to immigration policies.
By the end of this conversation, you’ll see why Le Bouchon has become a home for its employees.
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Filming Location: Le Bouchon in the Bucktown neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois (https://www.lebouchonofchicago.com/)
Featuring: Host Ari Bendersky, Chef De Cuisine Henry Zimmerman, Executive Sous Chef Zachary Heyder-Gordon, Server Heather Christie, and Server Jesus Mata.
Produced By: @BottleRocketMediaChicago (https://www.bottlerocketmedia.net)
About Family Meal
Family Meal is a first-of-its-kind roundtable series featuring real restaurant professionals. You’ll hear chefs, GMs, sommeliers, waiters, BOH, FOH, and industry insiders have raw, unfiltered conversations about the business, culture, and passion that fuel the restaurant world.
More than just another food show, Family Meal is a love letter to the restaurant industry. It celebrates its triumphs, unpacks challenges, and pulls back the curtain on the behind-the-scenes realities that few see. Hosted on location inside real restaurants, each episode captures the pulse of the kitchen and gives voice to the people who make unforgettable dining experiences possible.
About Le Bouchon
Le Bouchon, with its signature dark green and red façade, has been a Bucktown stalwart for over 30 years. Chef Jean-Claude Poilevey and his wife Susanne opened this classic French bistro and ran it with heart and passion. The cozy, rustic interior transports you to France, while the culinary consistency and fantastic wine list have made it a favorite among locals and the restaurant community alike.
Sadly, both Jean-Claude and Susanne passed away too soon, but their sons — chef Oliver and wine director Nicholas — carry on with as much heart as their parents. They’ve preserved the tradition of a convivial neighborhood spot, offering excellent food and a boisterous atmosphere.
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Chapters:
00:00 A Shocking Start to the Day
00:44 Introducing Today’s Family Meal
01:34 The Importance of Family Meal
04:53 Why We Love Working at Le Bouchon
08:09 The Day the Bricks Fell
09:53 Skills Beyond Cooking
17:29 Challenges and Crazy Restaurant Stories
3 Comments
Loved this and all of you❤
Le Bouchon is the 🐐The people and food (and Chartreuse) are the best ❤
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