Today we’d like to introduce you to Fabien Goury.
Hi Fabien, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was born in Épinal, a small mountain town in the Vosges region of France. Winters were long and cold, and life was simple but full of warmth. I was the youngest of ten children — the baby of the family — and in a house that full, everyone had to help. My uncle was a baker, and I spent a lot of time watching him work. The smell of fresh bread coming out of the oven is something I’ll never forget. That’s where my love for food began — not from fancy meals, but from the rhythm of family, work, and care that surrounded it. In our family, you didn’t just sit around. You worked, you helped, you learned. That was how we grew up — hands in the dough, eyes open, heart in it. That sense of craft and community stayed with me.
After school, I studied hospitality, cooking, and baking. I worked in hotels and restaurants across France, then in Germany and Luxembourg. Each place taught me something new — new people, new kitchens, new flavors. But I’ve always been curious by nature, and I wanted to see more of the world.
One day in Luxembourg, I met a group of Texans. They were friendly, open, and full of life. We stayed in touch, and a while later, they said, “You should come visit Texas someday!” I don’t think they really expected me to say yes — but I did. I’ve always believed life’s too short not to take a chance.
When I arrived in Austin, everything felt different — the light, the people, the energy. Texans had this warmth that reminded me of family. They welcomed me like one of their own. I started baking and cooking here, and people were so excited to taste real French bread and pastries. That encouragement gave me the confidence to stay and build a life here.
Life, of course, had its ups and downs. I went through a first marriage, became a father, and kept working hard to build something meaningful. Then, one day, I met Yasmine — a French-Lebanese woman whose path had also brought her around the world. She had the same passion for food and hospitality that I did, and a heart as big as her dreams. Her family in Lebanon owned a bakery too — it felt like destiny.
Together, we dreamed of creating a place that reflected who we were — French at heart, Mediterranean in spirit, and Texas by choice. We fell in love with Grapevine, a town with charm, history, and community. It felt like home the moment we arrived.
We started with Main Street Bistro & Bakery, a small café with the smell of croissants and espresso in the air. I never imagined it would grow the way it did. People came not just for the food, but for the feeling — that mix of European comfort and Texas hospitality. Over time, we expanded, and Chez Fabien was born — a place where we could serve breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even have live music on the weekends. It became a true community spot.
A few years later, we opened Piaf Kitchen + Wine + Bar, inspired by Yasmine’s Mediterranean roots and our shared love of travel and flavor. Piaf means “sparrow” in French — a small, strong bird that represents resilience and freedom. That name felt right for our journey.
Today, when I look back — from the snowy mountains of Épinal to the sunny streets of Grapevine — I see a life built on passion, risk, and love. Food has always been my language. It’s how I connect with people, how I share my story. And every time someone takes a bite of bread or enjoys a meal with friends at one of our restaurants, I feel a little bit of home — both the one I came from, and the one I found here in Texas.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road — but I think that’s what makes the journey meaningful. When I first came to the U.S., I didn’t know anyone here besides a few friends I had met while traveling. I had to rebuild everything from the ground up — new country, new language, new culture. Starting over like that teaches you a lot of humility and perseverance.
When Yasmine and I opened our first bakery, we didn’t have investors or a big team. It was just the two of us working every day from early morning to late at night — baking bread, serving customers, cleaning, doing paperwork — everything. There were moments when we weren’t sure if we’d make it, especially in the early years when money was tight and we had to earn people’s trust one customer at a time.
The restaurant business is full of challenges — staffing, long hours, changing trends, unexpected crises — but we always kept the same values that guided us from the beginning: quality, consistency, and hospitality. We believe that if you take care of people and put your heart into what you do, the rest follows.
Looking back, every struggle — from language barriers to long nights in the kitchen — was part of the story that brought us here. It’s never been easy, but it’s always been worth it.
As you know, we’re big fans of Main Street Bread Baking Company, LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Our restaurants are built around one simple philosophy: to create a place where people feel at home — where they can share good food, good wine, and good company. We started with Main Street Bistro & Bakery, a small French bakery and café in the heart of historic Grapevine. From the beginning, our goal was to bring a true taste of France to Texas — flaky croissants, crusty baguettes, and classic French comfort food made from scratch every day. Over time, it grew into a full-service restaurant and wine bar, now known as Chez Fabien, where guests can enjoy everything from breakfast and brunch to romantic dinners and live music on the weekends.
A few years ago, we opened Piaf Kitchen + Wine + Bar, our newest concept inspired by the Mediterranean — a blend of French, Italian, Greek, and Lebanese flavors that reflect both my and Yasmine’s heritage. Piaf is more than just a restaurant; it’s an experience. With its rooftop views, warm lighting, and lively atmosphere, it’s where people come to celebrate, to connect, and to enjoy life — just like in the South of France.
What truly sets us apart is our authenticity and heart. Every recipe, every detail — from the bread we bake to the music we play — carries a story. We don’t chase trends; we focus on timeless quality, hospitality, and creating moments people remember. Many of our guests have been coming for years — we’ve watched families grow, couples get engaged, and visitors become friends. That’s the kind of connection we’re most proud of.
Brand-wise, what makes us proud is that we’ve stayed true to our roots while still evolving. Each of our restaurants has its own personality, but they all share the same soul — warmth, passion, and that little French touch that makes everything feel special.
What we want people to know is that when they come to one of our restaurants, they’re not just dining — they’re part of our story.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I’ve always believed that the best lessons come from real life — from people, travel, and experience. But over the years, a few tools and resources have definitely helped me stay organized, inspired, and balanced.
For the business side, I use Google Workspace and QuickBooks every day — they keep everything flowing between the bakery, the bistro, and Piaf. Apps like OpenTable and Toast have also been game changers for managing reservations, sales, and guest feedback.
When it comes to personal growth and mindset, I love reading books about leadership and hospitality. “Setting the Table” by Danny Meyer is one that really resonates with me — it’s all about building success through genuine hospitality and respect for your team, which I truly believe in.
I also enjoy listening to podcasts like “How I Built This” and “The Restaurant Guys,” because they remind me that every business owner, no matter how successful, has gone through challenges, risks, and reinvention.
But honestly, my biggest source of inspiration still comes from our guests and our team — from the energy in the dining room, the smiles, the late nights, and the sense of family we’ve built. That’s what keeps me motivated every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://chezfabienbistro.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chezfabienbistro/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chezfabienbistro
Image Credits
https://nerdstuds.com
