The famous restaurant L’Entrecôte in Lyon has just been found guilty of misleading commercial practices by the correctional court. The case, revealed by PressPepper for the site Actu Lyon, came to light after an inspection by the DDPP (Departmental Directorate for the Protection of Populations) in the summer of 2022. Behind the tempting claims of “homemade,” inspectors discovered a reality that was far less artisanal: whipped cream from a can, industrial custard, fruits in syrup, and even frozen bread. Not exactly what we'd call a “authentic Lyonnais bouchon,” wouldn’t you agree?
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A hefty fine for the establishment
The court has fined L’Entrecôte €5,000, with an additional €10,000 suspended. It's a symbolic penalty, but it casts a shadow over the reputation of a restaurant that has been a fixture in the heart of Lyon for over twenty-five years. The manager, Corinne Gineste de Saurs, tried to defend her establishment by highlighting the unequal treatment based on the cities where the group operates other restaurants. Despite this defense, the court ruled that the term “homemade” must be completely clear and unambiguous.
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The debate reignited around “homemade”
This issue brings back the question of transparency in the restaurant industry. The “homemade” label, created to highlight artisanal skills, is regularly criticized for its vagueness and lack of oversight. Many establishments play with the boundaries, alternating between industrial preparations and homemade recipes. As consumers become increasingly attentive to the quality and origin of products, this decision could very well mark a turning point.