From Traveling Sales to Gourmet Pastry: Local Entrepreneur Launches ‘Seasons Gourmet’ in Auxonne
Auxonne, France – July 28, 2025 – In a story of resilience and reinvention, Claire Lefebois is bringing a fresh, locally-sourced culinary experience to Auxonne with the launch of ‘Seasons Gourmet.’ This breaking news highlights a growing trend of individuals pivoting careers after the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, and underscores the power of pursuing one’s passion. This is a story that resonates with anyone considering a career change, and a testament to the enduring spirit of entrepreneurship. This article is optimized for Google News and SEO to ensure rapid indexing and visibility.
A Career Reborn: From the Road to the Kitchen
For 13 years, Claire Lefebois thrived as a traveling salesperson. However, the COVID-19 pandemic brought unexpected change, leading to her dismissal. Rather than succumbing to uncertainty, Claire saw an opportunity to finally dedicate herself to a lifelong passion: cooking. “I wanted to keep the autonomy and independence I had but I knew it would be difficult to find, so I decided to devote myself to my passion for cooking,” she explains. At 39, she embarked on a new path, completing a CAP pastry qualification in 2023 after two years of dedicated training and valuable internships.
Navigating the Challenges of a New Venture
Initially, Claire envisioned a food truck, but quickly realized the logistical hurdles. “At the start, I wanted to go to a foodtruck, but the project turned out to be complicated, especially because the places are difficult to have,” she shared. The CAP pastry qualification, however, opened doors to broader possibilities, allowing her to explore catering and kitchen-based operations. With the support of BGE Côte-d’Or and Active initiative, and a crucial €50,000 loan, Claire transformed the ground floor of her home into a professional-grade laboratory and equipped it with the necessary tools.
Simple, Local, and Seasonal: The ‘Seasons Gourmet’ Philosophy
Claire’s culinary philosophy is deeply rooted in her upbringing. Growing up with market gardener parents instilled in her a profound appreciation for fresh, seasonal produce grown through reasoned agriculture. “My parents were market gardeners, so I always experienced good seasonal vegetables thanks to reasoned agriculture. I wanted to register in this line,” she emphasizes. ‘Seasons Gourmet’ will source ingredients directly from local farmers in the Côte-d’Or region, championing the ‘short circuit’ approach – minimizing the distance food travels from farm to table. This isn’t just a trend; it’s a growing consumer demand for sustainable and ethically sourced food.
Serving Auxonne and Beyond: A Multi-Faceted Approach
Launching officially on July 26th, ‘Seasons Gourmet’ will initially cater to individuals through a dedicated website and a convenient Click-And-Collect service. Every Saturday, customers can order delectable cakes or enjoy a special “offer of the day.” Claire also plans to extend her reach to businesses, offering catering services for meal trays, buffets, and cocktail events. Her ambition extends beyond Auxonne, with plans to serve a territory spanning from Dole to Dijon. Regular participation in the Auxonne craft market will further enhance visibility, and the future holds the promise of weekend brunches for individuals.
The rise of businesses like ‘Seasons Gourmet’ reflects a broader shift in the culinary landscape. Consumers are increasingly seeking authentic, locally-sourced experiences, and are willing to support entrepreneurs who prioritize quality and sustainability. This trend is fueled by a growing awareness of the environmental and economic benefits of supporting local producers. For aspiring entrepreneurs, Claire’s story offers a valuable lesson: passion, perseverance, and a commitment to quality can transform adversity into opportunity.
Claire Lefebois isn’t just building a business; she’s cultivating a connection to her community and a celebration of the region’s rich agricultural heritage. ‘Seasons Gourmet’ promises to be a delightful addition to the culinary scene in Auxonne and beyond, and a shining example of how to turn a dream into a delicious reality. Stay tuned to archyde.com for more inspiring stories of local entrepreneurs and emerging trends.
