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This Lyon-style buffet is thriving with 1,000 covers each weekend and wants to open a new location!

undefined undefined 13 février 2026 undefined 12h30

The Editor

Maureen Domprobst - Lafoodisterie

Since its opening in the summer of 2025, the Grands buffets lyonnais are already making waves, and not just for their gigantic dishes. With a legal battle over the name and plans for expansion, the place's master Farid Mezaber is carving his path with ambition and determination.

The choice of the name “Les Grands buffets lyonnais” is stirring up tensions with Narbonne. The owner of Grands buffets de Narbonne, Louis Privat, has taken the Lyon establishment to court to request a name change and a symbolic euro in damages. On February 2nd, the court suggested mediation, but both parties are holding their ground. This situation highlights the complexity of branding in the restaurant world, where a simple name can trigger lengthy legal battles.

For the Lyon-based founder, there's no question of backing down in the face of demands. Farid Mezaber reminds us that his concept is radically different from that of Narbonne: a historic venue, a more popular cuisine, and free meals for children under 5. According to him, the buffet has become a trendy economic model and is becoming popular all over France, from Lebanese to Asian. “I have never been influenced by Narbonne,” he insists in comments shared by Tribune de Lyon, highlighting that his establishment follows a unique and independent vision.

XXL Numbers and a Second Location on the Horizon

The popularity of the Grand Buffets in Lyon is undeniable. With between 800 and 1,000 diners every weekend and soon to be an additional 350 seats with the reopening of the terraces, the establishment already has over 500 reservations for Valentine's Day. With around fifty five-star Google reviews in just one weekend, Farid Mezaber can be proud of having found his clientele and established his culinary reputation in under a year.

Lyon won’t be enough soon for the restaurateur’s ambitions. Farid Mezaber is already working on a second establishment, this time in Paris, hoping to keep the iconic name of the Grands buffets lyonnais. However, a plan B is being considered if the court requires a name change, with the trial set for March 24 as the next key step. Between commercial success and legal battles, the future of the Grands buffets lyonnais looks as delightful as a well-made tablier de sapeur.

Source : Tribune de Lyon

Adresse: 22 Rue du Bœuf, 69005 Lyon, France