HISTORY

The history of JRE dates back to 1974 and has it's roots in traditional French gastronomy.

The idea came from Nicole Seitz, Head External Relations at Grand Marnier from 1953 through 1998. She visited many well known French restaurants and thus got acquainted with all famous and important chefs of that time. Their children and future successors had the great desire to develop and get acquainted with fellow companions.

Nicole Seitz felt sympathy for these young chefs and admired their sacrifices for the profession. She was convinced that Grand Marnier could play the catalytic role and assist these young stars to get involved and initiate the grow of mutual friendship and solidarity. That is why she asked the director, Jacques Marnier-Lapostolle, to establish an organization for young restaurant owners. He embraced this idea enthusiastically and so the establishment of Les Jeunes Restaurateurs France (JRF) was a fact.

Soon JRF attracted no less than a hundred members. Neighbouring countries were also interested in this new philosophy . At the beginning of the nineties JRF became a European organization. The name changed then into Jeunes Restaurateurs d’Europe (JRE).

Jacques Marnier-Lapostolle was appointed president-founder and honorary chairman. Up to this very day he is still involved in the organization.

Jacques Marnier-Lapostolle
“Just as I gave enthusiastic support to the foundation of the Association of Jeunes Restaurateurs de France – of course also because I was appointed Founding Chairman – I enthusiastically applauded the foundation of the Jeunes Restaurateurs d’Europe. I would like to thank the Chairman, the Committee and the Members for having retained me in this post-of-honor, of which I am particularly fond. This Chain has now gained recognition throughout the profession at European level and I wish it true success.