The French bistro Once Upon a Time in France, located at 1102 Gallatin Ave. in East Nashville, has recently changed ownership. New owners Ramy Habib and Majed Mikhail took over the establishment earlier this fall, marking a new chapter for the beloved restaurant. The family business was opened in 2019 by father-and-son duo Laurent Champonnois and Melvil Arnt, who established it as a go-to spot for authentic French cuisine.
The bistro is known for its classic French dishes, including boeuf bourguignon, filet mignon, and confit de canard, as well as an extensive selection of French wine and cocktails. Mikhail expressed their passion for the restaurant industry, stating that he and Habib were drawn to the business because of their love for food and service. Upon learning that Once Upon a Time in France was for sale, they seized the opportunity to preserve a place they cherished.
Commitment to Local Community
“The restaurant business is hard. It’s challenging for small, locally operated restaurants to stay in business,” Mikhail remarked in an interview with What Now Nashville. He emphasized their commitment to maintaining the restaurant’s legacy, saying, “My partner and I fell in love with Once Upon a Time before we were even considering buying a restaurant. When we found out it was for sale, that desire to keep it open and prosperous for the community drove us to purchase it.”
Mikhail highlighted the struggles faced by small businesses, citing issues such as long hours and thin profit margins. “Small businesses are closing everywhere,” he noted. “It’s essential to hold onto these establishments because they represent unique experiences not found in chain or franchise locations.” With this belief in mind, the new owners plan to retain the restaurant’s cozy atmosphere, reminiscent of 1920s Paris, while also enhancing the overall dining experience.
Future Plans and Community Engagement
As they take over, Habib and Mikhail intend to keep the essence of Once Upon a Time in France intact, while striving for an elevated standard in food and service. Mikhail recognizes the importance of maintaining the bistro’s unique qualities, especially as other local venues, such as Margot Cafe and Bar, prepare to close.
“Once Upon a Time is a local favorite in the East Nashville area,” Mikhail stated. “It’s uniquely positioned to offer a French bistro experience that has no comparison in the Nashville market.” Moving forward, the new ownership team aims to foster relationships with both customers and other local businesses, focusing on upholding their quality standards.
“We want the local community to come together to support local businesses and preserve what made East Nashville what it is today,” Mikhail added, underlining their commitment to community engagement. With this new chapter, Once Upon a Time in France looks poised to continue its legacy as a cherished dining destination in East Nashville.
