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7 examples of franchises using a Michelin-starred chef

Chloé Thévenet
October 17, 2024
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To win over lovers of good food, some franchises don't hesitate to team up with Michelin-starred chefs! Daring recipes, exceptional know-how and a real spotlight on their menu: discover 6 examples of franchises that have called on Michelin-starred chefs to transform their offer and win over more customers.

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Why do franchises use Michelin-starred chefs?

Strengthening brand image

Teaming up with a Michelin-starred chef is a real boost to brand image. It lends an air of excellence to the franchise, and customers see it as a promise of quality well beyond the usual fast-food offering.

Culinary innovation 

Michelin-starred chefs are renowned for their ability to innovate in the kitchen. By collaborating with them, franchises can offer creative and original dishes that stand out from the ordinary, and pleasantly surprise customers.

Stand out from the competition

Working with a Michelin-starred chef is also an excellent way to stand out from the crowd. It allows you to propose a unique offer that sets you apart from your competitors.

👉 To find out more: Why it's essential to have a competitive edge for your franchise?

Attracting new customers

Working with a Michelin-starred chef also means reaching a wider customer base. While fast food attracts consumers looking for quick, affordable meals, the addition of a Michelin-starred chef to the equation appeals to a more demanding public accustomed to more sophisticated cuisine.

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7 franchises with a Michelin-starred chef

Discover 7 examples of franchises that have made their mark on the fast food sector thanks to their collaboration with a Michelin-starred chef. 

1. Burger King & Dabiz Muñoz

Burger King has collaborated with Dabiz Muñoz, a three-starred Spanish chef, to offer its customers an unprecedented gastronomic experience. Together, they have revisited some fast-food classics, adding a daring touch typical of Dabiz Muñoz's avant-garde style. This collaboration not only brought a breath of fresh air to traditional burgers, but also caught the attention of haute cuisine enthusiasts.

2. Pomme de Pain & Stéphane Pitré

Pomme de Pain decided to play the gastronomic card by teaming up with Stéphane Pitré, a Michelin-starred chef, to revisit its sandwiches. These "Fabuleuses Créations" have enabled the brand to set itself apart with exclusive recipes and quality ingredients, while adding real value to its fast-food offering.

3. Burger King & Michel Sarran

Another master stroke for Burger King! This time, the brand has teamed up with Michel Sarran, Michelin-starred chef and emblematic Top Chef juror. Thanks to this collaboration, gourmet burgers have been created, using ingredients and techniques inspired by gastronomy. A way for Burger King to show that speed doesn't have to mean lack of quality! 

👉 Read also: Case study: 5 successful fast-food franchises

Franchisees with a Michelin-starred chef

4. Quick & Norbert Tarayre and Danny Khezzar

Quick has relied on the expertise of two well-known chefs: Norbert Tarayre (Top Chef season 3) and Danny Khezzar (Top Chef season 14 finalist). Together, they have rethought the brand's classics, proposing original, never-before-seen recipes. This initiative enabled Quick to renew its offer and attract new customers in search of original flavors.

5. Marxito & Thierry Marx

Double Michelin-starred chef Thierry Marx has launched his own street-food brand, Marxito, offering gourmet-inspired dishes in a fast, low-price format. With its creative approach and focus on balanced dishes, Marxito has become a benchmark in the quality fast-food sector.

6. Mickaël Pihours: Pepe the chicken king

Michelin-starred chef Mickaël Pihours has also launched his own fast-food concept based around poultry: Pepe le roi du poulet. This project combines the culinary expertise of a Michelin-starred chef with the efficiency of a fast-food service. It's a fine example of how gastronomic quality can be incorporated into a fast-food format.

7. David Gallienne: Picorette food truck

Last but not least, David Gallienne, Michelin-starred chef and winner of season 11 of Top Chef, has chosen to embark on the food truck adventure with Picorette. This concept enables him to offer a mobile version of Michelin-starred cuisine, making gastronomy accessible to all. A project that combines creativity, mobility and quality, to the delight of nomadic gourmets!

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Working with a Michelin-starred chef: risks and challenges for the franchise

While the idea of working with a Michelin-starred chef may seem appealing, it's important not to forget the challenges and risks involved: 

  • High costs: chef's fees and quality ingredients increase expenses. Profitability must be carefully assessed.
  • Consistency with identity : the chef's offer must be in line with thefranchise's identity to avoid destabilizing loyal customers.
  • Customer expectations : customers expect an exceptional experience. Consistent quality is essential to avoid disappointment.

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Our 3 tips for a successful collaboration with a Michelin-starred chef

Tip 1: Select the right chef for your franchise

Choosing the ideal Michelin-starred chef is the first step towards a successful collaboration. He or she must not only bring his or her own personal touch, but also be in tune with the franchise's values and identity.

Tip 2: Build a marketing strategy around collaboration

It's essential to communicate well around this collaboration. The idea is to maximize the visibility of the chef and the brand to attract the attention of the media and potential customers.

👉 Going further: 9 communication and marketing ideas for your restaurant

Tip 3: Measure results 

Once the collaboration has been launched, it's important to monitor its impact on sales and the franchise's image. This makes it possible toadjust the strategy according to the results obtained, and tooptimize the spin-offs.

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