via CS
When you come from a family of food market owners, with locations in Algeria and across Europe, you certainly have a lineage to protect and live up to. Sebastien Bensidoun did just that by expanding his family’s food market into America (and Chicago) almost a decade ago. Now, the Chicago French Market will be entering it’s 10th year of providing European excellence and delicious cuisine to Chicagoans and tourists alike.
It all began when Sebastien first came to America as a child and fell in love with the city. Then in 1996, he opened his first outdoor market in Wheaton. From there, Sebastien was approached by Metra Market and created what is now the Chicago French Market. The rest is culinary history and almost a decade of taste. Before their official anniversary in January, Sebastien talked to us about his family history, love of Chicago food, and just what we can expect from a visit to the market…
via The Chicago French Market
DiningOut: What are some of your earliest food memories?
Bensidoun: I always loved pizza. Grilled cheese. Always loved American food!
What made you want to bring your family market to the U.S.?
Because it was my personal quest; I fell in love with the country and wanted to live here one day. I was encouraged by family and friends to do this, and then finally we decided to bring back the market style to the U.S. in 1997. We then launched the Chicago French Market, which opened in December 2009.
via The Chicago French Market
How is Chicago the perfect location for a market like this?
Chicago is a foodie city, but there was nothing like the Chicago French Market when we decided to open it. We were at the forefront of the food hall segment—the first one in Chicago! A place to go and dine, grab and go, relax…This was very new to the food scene.
How did you take your vision for the French Market and make it a reality?
Based on my personal French experience and success with outdoor markets in Chicago. I was looking to bring the European experience to Chicagoans and visitors to the city.
What else does the market offer aside from food?
Flowers, gifts, candy, a grab-and-go grocery, and (of course!) a bar.
via Ma Vie Française
How do you find vendors to partner with?
We have to make sure they fit and they don’t duplicate with our other vendor offerings. We first and foremost look for diversity and quality.
Basically at the beginning of the market, we had to conduct our own outreach. Now, because of the established brand and popularity, potential vendors come to us!
What do you want people to experience when they walk in for the first time?
The market has something for everyone. You can bring your entire family—even the pickiest of eaters—and everyone will find something they love. We want people to come in, browse, experience the different vendors. We want everyone to be comfortable and leave satisfied and happy!
Do you have any special plans for the holidays or for your January anniversary?
We are working on an anniversary plan, so stay tuned! As we enter into our 10th year, we’ll offer specials and such but we will definitely plan an event. No doubt!
What do you like most about the Chicago food world overall?
I love the push for local/organic foods over the past 10 years. We are on the right track here as people are working to learn more about what they eat, tastes are more sophisticated, and we’re in an exciting time.
Interview by Kaleigh Glaza | Online Editor
The post In the Market with Sebastien Bensidoun of Chicago French Market appeared first on DiningOut Chicago.