CHOUETTE AWARDED PRESTIGIOUS “WORLD’S FRENCH RESTAURANT” CERTIFICATION FROM THE FRENCH ASSOCIATION OF MASTER RESTAURATEURS

The Downtown Columbus bistro is currently the only restaurant in the United States to hold the international distinction 

Chouette—the charming French bistro nestled in Columbus, Ohio’s burgeoning downtown and the first French restaurant from leading experience-driven hospitality company Makeready—has received the prestigious World’s French Restaurant certification by the French Association of Master Restaurateurs (AFMR). Awarded at a ceremony hosted by AFMR Vice President Carol Bussy at the Residence of the French Ambassador in Washington, D.C., the label underlines Chouette’s commitment to excellence in French cuisine and upholding French gastronomic traditions, as well as Makeready’s pledge to provide well-crafted, exclusive culinary experiences to the communities it serves. Chouette is currently the only restaurant in the United States to hold this esteemed recognition. 

The World’s French Restaurant label builds upon the legacy of the Maître Restaurateur (“Master Restaurateur”) title, which is the only culinary honor bestowed by the French state to restaurateurs that meet specific criteria, ranging from freshness of products and onsite cooking to the quality of welcome given to customers and respect of hygiene and safety regulations. Created in 2020, the World’s French Restaurant certification was established to further this mission and champion French restaurants abroad that uphold the same high standards. Only 21 other restaurants across four continents currently hold the impressive qualification. 

 “This award is a testament to the passion and dedication of the entire Chouette team, and we are incredibly proud of this achievement,” said Chef Jacques Sorci, Culinary Director at Makeready. “Makeready is committed to supporting independent, world-class restaurants like Chouette, and we look forward to continuing to elevate the dining experience through our portfolio of exceptional brands. Winning this award showcases Chouette’s commitment to French cuisine and how we are contributing to the elevation of Columbus’s dining scene.” 

Restaurants awarded the World’s French Restaurant label are chosen for their ability to ensure a world-class dining experience and meet AFMR’s strict criteria across traditional French culinary techniques, commitment to responsible and sustainable gastronomy, service, presentation, and hospitality. As part of the certification process, the team at Chouette underwent an independent audit as well as a live-streamed kitchen and dinner service observed remotely by a World’s French Restaurant panel. Throughout the service, Chef Jacques Sorci and his team interacted with the panel, answering real-time questions and showcasing their dedication to quality and tradition. 

 Every element of the Chouette experience is intended to make guests feel like they are dining in the streets of Paris, an intentional decision by the restaurant’s owner, Jeff Edwards. After realizing the lack of authentic French cuisine in downtown Columbus, the Edwards Companies president and CEO teamed up with Makeready—already known in Columbus for creating distinctive, community-driven dining destinations like Hank’s Low Country Seafood & Raw Bar and Little West Tavern—to transform the historic building that once housed The Columbus Dispatch into the now bustling bistro. Lovingly restored to the building’s original glory, Chouette’s interiors boast original stone, wood, brass, and crown molding, while the exterior features a sidewalk bistro setting that entices passers-by with its vibrant yellow awnings, bistro chairs, and tables. 

“Chouette was born out of a desire to bring an authentic and accessible French bistro to the Columbus market, so receiving such a notable accomplishment after less than a year of operations underlines the immense hard work, quality and pride Chef Sorci and his team pour into the restaurant every single day. ” said Jeff Edwards, President and CEO, Edwards Companies. “Congratulations to the entire team at Chouette for this incredible honor.” 

In celebration of this recognition, Chouette will offer two limited-time specials that highlight the restaurant’s dedication to classic French cuisine: 

● Pâté en Croûte: a traditional French delicacy that wraps a meat-based pâté, mustard cream, apricot and pistachio chutney in a flakey pastry dough, topped with spring leaves 

● Volaille Rôtie aux Écrevisses: a luxurious take on roasted chicken, cooked with crawfish and served with a lobster and sauternes sauce, pommes fondantes and English peas 

Chouette is currently open for lunch and dinner Wednesdays-Sundays, with plans to open on Tuesdays in the coming weeks. Visit www.chouetterestaurant.com or follow @chouetterestaurant on Instagram to explore the award-winning menu, and reserve your table today on OpenTable. 

ABOUT CHOUETTE 

Nestled in the heart of Columbus, Chouette is a charming French bistro named after the French word for “owl” or “cool.” Our bistro beckons guests into a warm and inviting space that resonates with historical significance, seamlessly blending the allure of tradition with modern comfort. We pride ourselves on being an inviting and approachable place where guests of all backgrounds feel at home. Our menu is designed to introduce the richness of French cuisine to everyone, whether you’re a seasoned foodie or new to the world of French flavors. For more information, please visit www.chouetterestaurant.com and follow along on Instagram at @chouetterestaurant. 

ABOUT MAKEREADY Great meals and good stories satisfy. Makeready is designed from the ground up to create truly independent hotel, restaurant, and bar brands that offer unique points of view and concepts. The company draws on decades of experience to create meaningful, lasting connections across guests, teams, and local brands. Focused on community-driven hospitality, Makeready currently operates over 40 restaurant and bar brands across seven cities, including notable properties such as Frannie & The Fox, Little Palm, and Hank’s Seafood Restaurant in Charleston, SC; The French Room, City Hall Bistro, and Rodeo Bar in Dallas; and Hidden Bar, Drug Store Coffee, and Rare Bird in Nashville, TN. For more information, visit www.makereadyexperience.com or follow along on Instagram at @makereadyexp. 

ABOUT EDWARDS COMPANIES 

Edwards Companies is a privately held and nationally recognized real estate development firm that acts as a holding company for numerous operating companies engaged in the businesses of mixed-use urban development, residential and commercial real estate development, and construction. Based in Columbus, Ohio, its various entities have led significant developments in communities across the region and country. Learn more at www.edwardscompanies.com. 

Media contact: Bridget Ryan, MMGY Wagstaff (bryan@wagstaffmktg.com)