Opening of a café & delicatessen shop in Marylebone

Client: SoFrench

Context

As part of a career change, Cédric Badel wanted to develop in London a project that has been close to his heart for a long time: the opening of a delicatessen showcasing artisans and French products not currently available in the United Kingdom. 

“I am in my third life! By training, I am an interior designer, far from my current life. Some would say, though, that it shows at So French, because I designed the decoration of the store myself. “ 

Challenges

  • Change of core business and discovery of the hospitality sector
  • Lack of knowledge of the legal framework to obtain a commercial lease
  • Negotiating with a large landlord imposing a very standardized selection process
  • Premises located in a conservation area

“I immediately felt supported by Antoine. When I had down times, he would sometimes simply tell me: “Don’t worry, it’s just a hoop to jump through, I’ll take care of it “. For the first interview with the landlords, for example, which was to take place on zoom, I was anxious because it really was not my strength. Antoine was very reassuring and in the end managed everything on my behalf.”

Notre intervention

FTC supported So French both in the review of its business model and in the acquisition of the commercial lease. We helped Cédric throughout this project, in particular by giving an oral presentation in front of the landlord and by analysing the technical clauses of the lease related to the location in a conservation area. 

We also negotiated a substantial rental period which, in itself, made it possible to cover our fees. A win-win partnership! 

  
“I found at French Touch Commercial, in general and with Antoine, what I recognize within a family business: the human side which means so much to me. FTC has obviously been such a great help that I would recommend them without hesitation!” 


Découvrez l’interview de SoFrench ici. 

SO FRENCH Café + Épicerie
Address: 21 Seymour Pl, London W1H 5BH | Phone: 020 7723 5775
Website: https://www.sofrench.co.uk/ | Hours: 8 am – 5 pm monday until saturday and 9 am – 4 pm on sunday

French Touch Commercial also supports you throughout the process of finding and securing your commercial premises: shopsrestaurants or offices.