Bocuse versus McDonald's: the match will be decided by the consumer

10/19/21

L'Ouest Express, the Paul Bocuse Group's restaurant in the dynamic Vaise district, was recently sold to the American fast-food giant. The acquisition will create the 32nd McDonald's restaurant. Scheduled to open in November 2021.

Why West Express?

Launched in 2008, the new French fast-food concept created by Paul Bocuse and known as "Ouest Express" was located in a strategic up-and-coming area (shopping center, cinema). From the moment it was launched, it was a hit with customers. Three new establishments have since opened.

The Ouest Express restaurant enjoyed strong growth, boosted by its location in a booming business district. Open 7 days a week, and catering to all "customer typologies", the restaurant offered upscale French-style burgers.

The restaurant concept generated sales of up to 8 million euros (in 2018), employing over 120 people and serving around 2,400 customers a day.

Local residents concerned

This transaction has not gone down well with some local residents. A committed collective launched a petition on the Internet, which quickly gathered almost 6,500 signatures. "I don't think Monsieur Paul Bocuse would have agreed to this," says Alex, a member of the "Non Au MacDo Vaise Industrie" collective.

Camille Augey, Lyon's deputy mayor for commerce, told Food&Sens: "It's a private transaction. But we regret the symbolism. McDonald's is not really the model of sustainable food that we defend".

Local residents and consumers will undoubtedly referee this giant match.