Thomas Keller opens Bouchon (1998)
In 1998, Thomas Keller (already famous for The French Laundry in Napa Valley) opened Bouchon in Yountville, a casual French brasserie serving bistro staples like steak frites and moules marinières. It offered a relaxed alternative to tasting-menu fine dining.
Bouchon drew long lines and standing demand in Yountville.
It grew into the Bouchon Bakery chain and other outposts, showing a three-star chef could run an accessible everyday spot.
Keller's move is the same playbook Galicia is using: a fine-dining chef launching a personal, more casual brasserie as a second act.
