Burbank is filled with amazing little mom and pop shops, one of which is Le French Rooster. Le French Rooster opened in 2019 by a sweet couple, Cindy and Alex. This couple built their store on Olive Ave
Chef Alex worked his way to owning and operating his café with Cindy. After studying marketing Alex soon began working with his father at “Diavolino Pizza and Pasta.” While exercising his love of food, Alex realized he had a few favorites and through trial and error recreated the dishes now served at Le French Rooster. Cindy comes from the entertainment production world and Alex worked in catering but before long, they both left their jobs to follow their dreams of opening Le French Rooster. Alex noticed that there were very few places around town that served fresh food, and especially fresh French food. But like many creative minds, they quickly realized they both knew only so much about keeping the business going, about the costs and the workings of a business. On their opening day, Cindy spoke about how she had cried, not only because they both could finally open the shop, but because she had to quickly learn how to manage Le French Rooster. Nothing comes easy but they are making it work!
Unfortunately, when Covid worked its way through Burbank, Le French Rooster had to close its doors like many other businesses. While they lost customers from surrounding offices during quarantine Cindy was able to work on their business and built a plan to return and keep their business going and welcome new customers into their store. This couple has put their heart and soul into their business as much as they do their food. When Burbank started allowing outdoor seating, lines of people were supporting them from the community.
Alex and Cindy have worked hard to keep their business going, showing up to work at 5 am and not leaving until 6 pm so that the fresh food that is made every day is ready for customers. This couple runs their business with few other employees. On weekends there will be a total of 5 people working, but during the week, not as many. During the day, the schedule for cooking is important since they only have one oven in their shop. Brioches are the first to be made followed by quiches and French deserts by 10 am. After the breads and pastries are made the lunch menu is made and placed in the front for customers.
Between all their foods and deserts it is hard to choose a favorite, but one of Chef Alex’s favorites is called Paris Breast. It is shaped like a bicycle tire to represent the bike ride between Paris and the city of Breast in Brittany. This pastry is similar to an éclair and is topped with almond praline. Cindy’s favorite is Brioche Choco that is made every morning, along with the sweet crepes. Kougin Amman is Le French Roosters most popular pastry. Not only do the owners know how good it is, but on weekends pans full of these pastries will be bought as quickly as they are made. Cindy’s absolute favorite are the crepes, and in true French fashion, can be ordered both sweet with fruit and jams, and savory with different cheeses, eggs, or tomatoes.
Make sure you stop by, tell them you read this and that not only do you want to support out local small businesses, but how excited you are to share their passion through food with them.
