L’Auberge Chez François in Great Falls, VA is entering a new chapter after 72 years, with Warren Thompson, President of Thompson Restaurants, stepping in as steward of the longtime French restaurant.
Located at 332 Springvale Road in Great Falls, L’Auberge says the transition is focused on preserving the restaurant rather than reinventing it. Executive Chef Jacques Haeringer will remain in leadership, while the Alsatian menu, longtime staff, special events and overall dining experience are expected to continue.
Thompson Restaurants operates a number of concepts throughout the region, including Matchbox, Wiseguy Pizza, Big Buns and Makers Union.
L’Auberge traces its history to 1954, when Chef François “Papa” Haeringer opened Chez François in Washington, D.C. After the building housing the original restaurant was sold, Haeringer opened L’Auberge Chez François in Great Falls in 1976, creating a restaurant inspired by the country inns of his native Alsace, France.
“For decades, we’ve created exceptional culinary experiences, built on fine cuisine and excellent service,” Haeringer said. “This next chapter is built around carrying that feeling forward, for the guests who’ve been coming for decades and the ones just discovering us.”
Thompson, a longtime guest of L’Auberge Chez François and Jacques’ Brasserie, said his goal is to preserve what has made the restaurant a destination for generations.
“My role now is simple, to help make sure it’s here, in the same spirit, for decades to come,” Thompson said.
The transition begins in September, with L’Auberge Chez François continuing operations under Haeringer’s culinary leadership.
