A note on Frances, 15 years later…

When Frances opened in December 2009, I was in my early 30’s and had spent the prior decade in fine dining, managing hotel and brigade kitchens. I had learned and accomplished a lot, but now I was in search of a change. When the opportunity came to open Frances, I knew it would be a departure from the fine dining kitchens I’d worked in. Smaller, quieter, and a bit more relaxed. 

I enlisted the help of friends. Many of the opening team members who shared in creating Frances were fellow fine dining absconders in search of a less formal expression of the craft. Together we worked to create something special- an ideal balance of comfort and sophistication. And then, from the moment the doors opened on December 9, 2009, a line formed around the block, the reservation books filled, and we quickly embraced a faster, fuller pace of life. 

The response in our opening year was beyond anything I could have imagined. Frances received a shining review from Michael Bauer at the SF Chronicle, inclusion in Bon Appetit’s “10 Best New Restaurants in America” 2010, Esquire’s “Best New Restaurants in America” 2010, a James Beard Foundation “Best New Restaurant” nomination 2010, and a Michelin star.  

Over 15 years, much has changed, but much remains the same. We’ve seen many team members come and go, becoming extended family, becoming parents, and ascending to fulfill their dreams. Many have gone on to open their own restaurants and food businesses, continuing forward to shape and brighten the industry. 

As I look back after 15 years, I’m immensely proud of what we’ve built in this little restaurant and I hope each visit brings you a bit of comfort and happiness. Frances remains small, but full of life, and thankfully, the journey has been anything but quiet. We hope you enjoy our month-long homage to Frances, past and present. Thank you for loving us 15 years strong. 

With gratitude,
Melissa Perello