Lyon, July 8, 2026 – The gastronomic landscape of Lyon’s Rue Mercière is undergoing a significant change with the upcoming arrival of ‘La Brigade,’ a renowned ‘carnivore street food’ franchise from Paris. The new establishment, known for its high-quality meats and innovative approach to traditional bistro cuisine, is scheduled to open its doors this summer, taking over the premises previously occupied by The Royal Racer at 48 Rue Mercière.
La Brigade: From Food Truck to National Success
Founded in 2013 by two friends, Tristan Clémençon and Édouard Katz, ‘La Brigade’ began its journey as a Parisian food truck. Their concept, centered around “quality meats cooked à la minute, served in thin slices with homemade fries and creative sauces,” quickly gained popularity. This success led to rapid expansion, transforming the initial food truck venture into a thriving franchise with 17 locations across France.
The founders’ ambition doesn’t stop there; they aim to reach 20 restaurants by the end of 2026. Lyon, the gastronomic capital, was a natural choice for their continued expansion. Clémençon and Katz showcased their franchise model at the Forum Franchise Lyon in October 2025, successfully finding a suitable location on the bustling Rue Mercière.
A New Culinary Experience for Rue Mercière
The building at 48 Rue Mercière, historically known as “Maison Reynon” and dating back to 1639, has seen various occupants over the centuries, from Reveillard & Cie to The Royal Racer, a men’s accessory and clothing store that closed its doors on April 11, 2025. This marks a rare occasion for the location, as it will be the first time it hosts a restaurant since Rue Mercière was transformed into a culinary hub under the initiative of Caro-Lacombe-Manoa.
“By reinventing the consumption of the traditional steak-frites, we have developed a comprehensive set of proposals inspired by traditional bistro cuisine, building on the codes of today’s and tomorrow’s catering and offering multi-channel sales,” explained Tristan Clémençon and Édouard Katz.
Soon, Lyonnais residents will be able to savor a variety of dishes, including beef onglet, breaded chicken fillets, Angus bavette steak, and duck magret, all of which have contributed to the Parisian chain’s reputation. The new restaurant will be situated next to the Garden Bistro, owned by Didier and Sophie Dantzikian, and directly opposite the former Léon Fish Brasserie franchise, which has also recently changed ownership.
Impact on Lyon’s Culinary Scene
The arrival of ‘La Brigade’ is expected to further enrich Lyon’s diverse culinary offerings, providing residents and visitors with a new option for high-quality, convenient dining. The focus on “carnivore street food” aligns with contemporary dining trends, offering a blend of traditional flavors and modern service.
This expansion comes at a time when Lyon continues to solidify its reputation as a leading food destination, with events like the Lyon Street Food Festival attracting renowned chefs and a growing interest in diverse culinary experiences.
