The French bistro Once Upon a Time in France, located at 1102 Gallatin Ave. in East Nashville, has officially changed ownership. Earlier this fall, the restaurant was purchased by Ramy Habib and Majed Mikhail, who aim to preserve the bistro’s unique charm and culinary offerings.
Founded in 2019 by father-and-son duo Laurent Champonnois and Melvil Arnt, the establishment has garnered a reputation for its authentic French cuisine, including dishes like boeuf bourguignon, filet mignon, and confit de canard, accompanied by a selection of French wines and cocktails. Mikhail expressed that both he and Habib have a deep appreciation for food and service, which motivated their decision to acquire the restaurant.
Upon discovering that Once Upon a Time in France was for sale, Mikhail noted, “We fell in love with Once Upon a Time before we were even considering buying a restaurant.” He emphasized the importance of keeping the restaurant operational for the sake of the community, stating, “The restaurant business is hard. It’s challenging for small, locally-operated restaurants to stay in business.”
Mikhail further remarked, “Small businesses are closing everywhere. It’s a hard business with long hours, thin margins, and issues from everywhere, but it’s very important to hold onto that because they represent a unique experience.” This commitment to preserving local dining experiences is particularly vital as other establishments, such as Margot Cafe and Bar, prepare to close; Margot is set to shut its doors in June.
Plans for the Future
The new ownership team intends to maintain the bistro’s cozy atmosphere, reminiscent of 1920s Paris, while enhancing the overall dining experience. They are committed to retaining the authentic French bistro vibe that has made it a local favorite. “Once Upon a Time is uniquely positioned to offer a French bistro experience that has nothing similar to it in the Nashville market,” Mikhail stated.
Going forward, Habib and Mikhail plan to build relationships with customers and other local businesses. Their focus will be on upholding the high standards of quality that the restaurant has established. Mikhail concluded, “We want the local community to come together to support local businesses and preserve what made East Nashville what it is today.”
With this change in ownership, Once Upon a Time in France aims to continue its legacy of providing exceptional French dining in East Nashville, contributing to the local culinary landscape while embracing its heritage.
