Today we’d like to introduce you to Thierry Chateau.
Hi Thierry, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Our story began across the Atlantic. As a family, we spent five years sailing aboard a catamaran with our children, crossing oceans and discovering cultures through food. That adventure shaped the way we see hospitality: food not just as nourishment, but as connection and memory.
When we eventually settled down in Charleston, we wanted to carry that spirit with us. Saveurs du Monde Café was born from the desire to bring the flavors and warmth of European cafés to our new community. We started with one location and a handful of recipes close to our hearts.
From there, we grew step by step—adding cafés, creating a production center, and building a team that combines tradition with creativity. The road has had its challenges, but each one pushed us to evolve and stay true to the values that brought us here: quality, authenticity, and a sense of belonging.
Today, Saveurs du Monde Café is more than coffee and croissants. It’s a place where people gather, share, and feel at home—just as we did during our voyage, just as we dreamed when we chose Charleston as home.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Opening and running restaurants means living with constant uncertainty. We’ve faced the same hurdles as many small businesses—hiring and retaining the right people, navigating supply chain issues, and adapting to sudden shifts in customer habits.
The pandemic was an especially testing period. Overnight we had to rethink how to serve our community safely while keeping our team employed. It pushed us to be flexible, to innovate, and to lean on the loyalty of our customers who supported us through it.
On top of that, balancing family life with entrepreneurship has always been a challenge. Crossing the Atlantic with kids taught us resilience and adaptability, but translating those lessons into daily business operations is a different kind of test.
Each obstacle has forced us to grow. They’ve taught us to be creative, to invest in people and processes, and to never lose sight of why we started: creating a welcoming place where quality and community come first.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Saveurs du Monde Cafe?
Saveurs du Monde Café is built on the idea that food can be both comforting and inspiring. We specialize in French-inspired cafés and bakeries, known especially for our croissants, breads, and pastries that are made with the same care and quality you’d expect in Europe. Alongside those, we serve fresh, locally sourced dishes that bring together French tradition and Charleston’s coastal spirit.
What sets us apart is the mix of authenticity and accessibility. Our cafés are open, welcoming spaces where you can enjoy a handmade croissant on the go, sit down for a family breakfast, or linger over coffee with friends. Everything is made with an emphasis on fresh ingredients, no shortcuts, and recipes that highlight real craftsmanship.
We’re most proud of the community we’ve built around the brand. It’s not just about food—it’s about creating spaces that feel like home, where people know they’ll be greeted warmly and served with consistency. Over time, that has grown into a loyal following across multiple locations and a production center that now supplies not only our cafés but also partners who share our values.
For readers who may not know us yet, Saveurs du Monde Café is more than a café—it’s an invitation to slow down, enjoy honest food, and connect with others. That sense of belonging is what drives us, and it’s what we hope people feel every time they walk through our doors.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
No story like ours is ever written alone. From the very beginning, our family has been at the heart of this journey—sailing across the Atlantic together taught us teamwork, patience, and trust, which became the foundation for our business.
In Charleston, we’ve been fortunate to have a loyal customer community that supported us even in the hardest times. Their encouragement, feedback, and word-of-mouth have been as important as any marketing campaign.
Our team also deserves enormous credit. From the bakers who start before dawn to the chefs and cooks who bring creativity and consistency to the kitchen, to the baristas and servers who welcome guests with a smile—they all carry our vision every single day. Many of them have been with us for years and have become like extended family.
We’ve also had mentors and friends—people in the local business community, suppliers, and even fellow café owners—who have shared advice, opened doors, and reminded us that collaboration is more powerful than competition.
Without all of these voices and hands along the way, Saveurs du Monde Café wouldn’t be what it is today.
Pricing:
- Freshly baked croissants and pastries: starting at $3–$4
- Specialty coffee drinks: around $4–$6
- Breakfast and lunch dishes (savory crêpes, quiches, sandwiches, salads): $9–$14
- Family-style and catering options: from $40 per platter
- Weekly specials and seasonal menus available at all locations
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.saveursdumondecafe.com
