Aby Philippe Etchebest, Julien Courbet? Clearly, since its takeover by Christian and Béatrice Baïetto, the restaurant Le Cygne de l’Espérance, in Allas-les-Mines, in Périgord Noir, has been making headlines. In 2023, the couple called on the M6 channel show, “Cauchemar en cuisine”, hosted by Bordeaux chef Philippe Etchebest, to relaunch an activity that was almost at a standstill.
Moreover, this first episode of season 12 attracted more than 2 million viewers in prime time. And there were numerous reactions on social networks. It was even rebroadcast in December 2024.
Until then, there are several restaurateurs who call on the starred chef for help. Except that the noise surrounding this show had, at the time, somewhat annoyed the owners of the walls, the Besse couple, who, for a very long time, had run a restaurant in the same place, Le Gabarrier. It must be said that as of February 2023, the rents were not paid. The new managers having purchased the business, but not the walls. A long legal battle therefore took place.
Dismissed on appeal
At first instance, the Baïettos were ordered to pay 23,000 to Sylvie and Robert Besse. They appealed, which further slowed down the procedure. “It dates from November 4,” calculates the latter. But they also lost on appeal. Normally, the bailiffs had to bring them the papers this week [NDLR : à la mi-janvier] to leave the premises. For the moment, we wait. » Today, restaurateurs owe 60,000 euros in unpaid rent to the owners. Information disclosed by our colleagues from Ici Périgord and confirmed by “Sud Ouest”. “Without forgetting the fines they received in court,” underlines Sylvie Besse.
“They are simply squatters”
She and her husband were forced to borrow money from friends. “Currently, we have nothing left,” says Sylvie. These rents were to supplement our pension, which is 1,500 euros for two. We had 15,000 euros saved, but we have nothing left. »
Christian and Béatrice Baïetto had already had a business in Gramat, in the Lot, but opened just before Covid-19, so it did not last. “This gentleman worked in two town halls,” says Sylvie Besse. I have the documents that prove he’s been in trouble with the law in the past. Currently, they are both at the RSA and never open in Allas-les-Mines. »
Radio silence from restaurateurs
An observation shared by several residents of the village. “When we pass, it’s always closed,” they note. The two restaurateurs do not answer the phone on the establishment’s landline.
On the other hand, on the business’s Facebook page, they posted a message on Tuesday, January 14, questioning the fact that the Besse couple “needed to take out a loan to live. They are not in need. What did they do with the sale and the rent already paid? » A war of words that could escalate quickly.
“They are simply squatters,” concludes Sylvie Besse. After “Nightmare in the Kitchen”, “It Can Happen to You”?
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