Eure. He leaves the hospital environment to take over a bar, his childhood dream

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Obstructed windows, closed doors. At the corner of Thiers and Gaston Folloppe streets in Bernay (Eure), seen from the outside, the bar Le Commerce seemed very quiet these last few days.

“A child’s dream”

The establishment has been closed to the public for several weeks now. But inside, it was boiling, before the opening scheduled for this Friday, November 1, 2024.

Between paint strokesthe renovation of the interior decoration, the upgrades, the reception of the new furniture, there is no shortage of work around the new owner, Thomas Drouet.

Aged 42, this lifelong Bernayen is realizing “a childhood dream”. “Since I was little, I told myself that one day I would like to own a bar,” he says full of enthusiasm.

After two decades in the world of healththis ambulance driver, a well-known figure in all the movements to defend the Bernay hospital center, felt the need to give a new impetus to his professional career. “I didn’t want to go to another city,” he confides.

The opportunity to take over the business presented itself at the beginning of the year, like a happy coincidence. “It’s a reference here whether for regulars or passing customers. »

The team remains in place

All the planets were aligned to allow Thomas Drouet to bring his project to life. His friends pushed him to get started. And the three banks consulted showed a certain interest.

Started in February, negotiations with Manuela Garcia-Morathe former manager, came to fruition with the signing of the deed of sale on October 16. “She supports me on several points and the handover is going very well,” greets the new boss who wants modernize the establishment while retaining its soul.

The team remains in place, whether it's Pascale in the kitchen, Amélie and Jordan behind the counter.

Being able to count on them is also something that motivated me. I rely on their skills and try to meet their requests.

Two additional young people should complete the squad.

Promote gourmet coffee

Commerce will always be a point of sale tobacco, PMU, Française des jeux. The brewery continues with one or two daily specials on the menu.

“We will also deploy formules snackingoffer tacos, croque-monsieur, paninis, tapas, announces Thomas Drouet. We want to allow the youngest audience to find quality at affordable prices. »

Meal boards“consistent”, will also make their appearance thanks to the dishes provided by the caterer Les Délices du Palais.

I also want to rehabilitate gourmet coffee. We will serve it at any time with six accompaniments, noble products, prepared by a local artisan.

And for those who would like to enjoy them at home, the cakes will be sold in the form of sachets.

“Not a night bar”

With a capacity of 60 seats inside and 30 outside, the bar will be open Tuesday to Saturday from 7 a.m. and Sunday at 8 a.m. “ Market daythe hawkers are looking for a place to drink a coffee when they settle down, I would like to be able to offer them this possibility by opening early,” adds our interlocutor.

In the evening, depending on the season, the schedule may vary, around 8 p.m. or 8:30 p.m. “The idea is not to make it a night bar. »

Encouragements

The former ambulance driver reports having worked a lot and having trained to understand his new world in the best conditions. Meetings with salespeople have multiplied to choose the right machines, compare products and make important decisions.

What type of café serve, for example? “I changed service providers, I chose an Italian brand,” says the man who was eager to receive his first customers, while feeling a little stress.

In the middle of the Halloween weekend, at the time of the Samhain festival which should attract thousands of people to Bernay, “we will have to be sure”, he smiles, pleasantly surprised by the encouragement and advice received from neighboring traders.

This warm welcome builds confidence, this establishment is very important for the dynamics of the neighborhood and we are not in a competitive relationship, but rather with the idea of ​​being complementary.

He shares this project with his loved onessurrounded by his wife and two children, aged 7 and 13. “We sold our house to be able to buy the business and they are fully behind me. »

In the family, “we all wanted to stay in Bernay, a beautiful town, and it was Commerce or nothing! » And this is how a childhood dream comes true.

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