Today we’d like to introduce you to Fabrice Carreau.
Hi Fabrice, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I arrived 7 years ago.
I bought the first restaurant in Venice, Côté France Restaurant, and 3 years later, I bought the second restaurant in Melbourne, LeFrench Restaurant. And 3 months ago, I opened a French cafe in downtown Tampa. I’m going to open another French cafe in 2026 and then look into franchising it.
I previously had a restaurant club in France near Paris.
I’m also president of the Leaders Club, an association for restaurateurs. It helps move restaurants forward, understand trends, connect with suppliers, and move faster.
I also run a support company for French restaurateurs, helping them get established in collaboration with lawyers, accountants, and brokers, and facilitating their arrival.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The hardest part for me is the E2 visa, which I have to renew every four years,
but that’s the rule, so I’m making do.
As you know, we’re big fans of Ftfoodholding. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
The restaurants and cafes have French chefs who prepare everything on-site.
Everything is homemade.
We work with renowned suppliers who can provide us with quality products.
We produce croissants, pain au chocolat, and other pastries on-site.
Our pastry chef prepares tarts, cakes, and our specialty, a very creamy flan that our customers love.
What are your plans for the future?
I’m waiting for the second one to open next year and for the brand to develop and expand to Tampa to start with, then St. Pete, Fort Myers and Naples.
Pricing:
- Croissant 4$
- Flan. 5$
- Tarte diverses. 7$
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cotefrancevenice.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cotefrance.frenchcafe
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1W751of18A/
