Meet Pascal Cayet: Restaurant Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Pascal Cayet and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Pascal, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I always been in the restaurant business since I went to a Hotel and Management School in Paris back in the early 70′ and to open your own restaurant has been a ultimate goal !

What should our readers know about your business?
My first restaurant in Dallas was Chez Gerard located on Mc Kinney Avenue in Dallas that I open in 1984, Chez Gerard was opened for 23 years before I sold it to Alberto Lombardi. In 1996 I decided to start another venture and open Lavendou Bistro Provencal on Preston Road which is still operating to these days. In 2008 I also open another restaurant further North on Preston, Olea Mediterranean Bistro, Unfortunately the timing with the 2008 crash was not great, I kept the restaurant for a couple of years and Ziziki’s took over the place. I have been in the restaurant scene in Dallas for the last 36 years ! and had survive through some hard times, the main reason to our longevity is due to our loyal customers base. I still to these days have some customers that has been dining with me since 1984 ! This is the most rewarding aspect of the business, to see regular customers all the time.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If someone from out of town or out of the country will come to Dallas, I will show them some of the Dallas culture, DMA, Nasher, the Kennedy Museum, some of our great shopping and of course some Mexican Food like Javier’s, some Steakhouse and also some Barbecue!! Next, a must is a visit of Fort Worth, the Kimbell Art Museum , Downtown, a Rodeo and the Stockyards with a dinner of one of their great restaurants. If a few days are available for a driving trip, Austin with the Capital and Downtown Music Life, San Antonio with the Alamo, the River Walk, some Missions, then a driving back to Dallas through the Hill Country, Fredericksburg, a visit or two Texas Wineries, and a great Barbecue Lunch !

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My dedicated staff

Website: www.Lavendou.com
Instagram: Lavendou
Facebook: Lavendou Bistro Provencal
Yelp: Lavendou Bistro
Youtube: Lavendou Bistro