From the South of France to Nashville – The Journey of Cocorico Bakery with Elodie Habert

·1 hr 1 min·5 clips

Elodie moved from France to Nashville without even knowing where it was on a map.

Brandon Still hosts a bonus episode of Nashville Restaurant Radio featuring Elodie Habert, owner of Cocorico French Bakery and Cafe. Elodie moved from Toulouse, France, to Nashville in 2016 due to her husband's job assignment, initially planning a two-year stay that turned permanent. She started Cocorico in 2018 as a side hustle, selling baguettes and quiches at farmers markets. The pandemic unexpectedly boosted her market sales as outdoor shopping felt safer. After years at markets, she opened her brick-and-mortar bakery and cafe in February 2024 on Division Street in Midtown, near the Buddy Killen Circle. Elodie explains the seasonal challenges of farmers markets, which led to staffing issues and prompted the need for a year-round location. She details her menu, including sandwiches, salads, and pastries like the chocolatine, a Southern French term for chocolate croissant. Elodie announces a collaboration dinner with Miel restaurant on March 20th, featuring dishes from her family recipes in Toulouse. The conversation touches on cultural differences, such as recycling habits and dining without phones, as Cocorico has no wifi to encourage connection. Elodie shares her favorite Nashville restaurants, including Il Forno and Redheaded Stranger, and discusses her work with publicist Amanda Virgilito. She also mentions joining the Le Dame des Cata group for industry networking. The episode concludes with Elodie encouraging support for small businesses.

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from Nashville Restaurant Radio