How a “Baker” Created the First Restaurant

Restaurants have been the mainstay of our social lives – where we break bread with friends, colleagues, lovers, and wives. But few know the origin of its humble beginnings. So, let me take you back to circa 1765 and to a Frenchman named “Boulanger”.

Although Boulanger is traditionally credited with opening the first restaurant in 1765, but historians have questioned whether he actually existed. Many claim  Mathurin Roze de Chantoiseau as the more likely.

Origin of the Cuisine

If you didn’t skip out on French class, you may know that boulanger is a baker in French and boulangerie is a bakery. But not in the 18th century. You see, Monsieur Boulanger, who opened a shop selling soups and other “restorative” dishes, known as restaurants (from the French word restaurer, meaning “to restore”).

Let Them Eat Soup!        

Boulanger’s “soup kitchen” allowed people to order a type of broth or bouillon and individual dishes at their tables, rather than being served a set meal at a fixed time, which was common in inns and taverns at the time. This not-so-obvious but straightforward invention was not just the food, but also the concept of dining out in a more personalized, menu-based format.

Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité – À Manger !

Boulanger was even sued by the monopolistic guilds that served cooked meats and were protective of their warrants. Boulanger prevailed, and his court victory consequently established a new kind of business… the restaurant. And as they say… the “rest” is history. 

So the next time you dine out au restaurant, give a little nod to “the humble baker” or simply raise a glass and say merci, Monsieur Boulanger!

The First vs The Oldest

The oldest continuously operated restaurant in the world is Restaurante Sobrino de Botín (also known as Botín), located in Madrid, Spain. It has been serving customers since 1725 and is officially recognized by the Guinness World Records. I have personally had the pleasure of dining in Botín, and it is worth a visit. As far as the discrepancy of dates (The First: Boulanger 1765 and The Oldest: Botín 1725)… that’s on the menu for another blog. 

Bon Appétit!

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