Thirty Years and Counting

This is pretty huge.

It is only at this moment, the morning after an intimate gathering of devoted French Living customers celebrating our 30 years in business, that I can truly contemplate the magnitude of this accomplishment. It was truly humbling to raise a glass with this magical community of all generations who have forged friendships, experienced losses, celebrated, cried, loved and lived 30 years with us. Proof of my belief that food made and served with love has the power to unite people, overcome barriers and foster togetherness.

I remember distinctly the excitment of hitting upon the French Living idea. The "everything to do with food from France" as a retail concept aimed to make shopping, cooking & eating an important pleasurable experience. The French have always placed mealtimes as high priority, particularly around a table, and preferably not alone. "Living" most definitely needed to be part of the business name. Even as the format gradually evolved into a restaurant, the concept of Living remained. And I am convinced that this focus on community, experience & people, in addition to the food, has contributed to our 30 years of success.

Allowing French Living to flow and transform without resistance, embracing the enthusiasm and wisdom of the young who crossed our paths, however briefly, also played a major part in our longevity. From au-pairs, providing invaluable care for our young children, to the talented creativity of students who honed their cookery, communication and organisational skills.

Young minds are the future, which is why it would be amiss of me not to mention the role of my very special Mum. Without her, I could not have worked the gruelling 10 hour Saturday, the busiest, longest day of our week. With her expertise as an infant school teacher, she alleviated the concern about child-care by engaging the young minds of the children, much to Pierre's occasional dismay.

Pierre and his fiance Sophie now joins the list of youthful French Living talent who have crossed our doors, as they make their mark on the business and help us to carry it into the future. Huge thanks to Sophie for giving our logo and website a fresh modern facelift !

French Living is a beautiful example of the value and power of family, demonstrating the wider meaning of the term to include our team of chefs, pot washers, serving staff, and then taking it out further to our extended family of customers. We are all interconnected, so when love, kindness and consideration is initiated by one, the ripple effect is magical.

Last night, the ripple effect was tangible and brought tears to my eyes.

30 years and counting.....

#frenchliving #anniversary #30years #welldoneus #celebration #frenchfood #frenchrestaurant #frenchfamily #nottinghamrestaurant #nottingham #familybusiness #family