About our Restaurant, Café du Commerce in Aubonne VD, Switzerland
« the most Parisian of Vaud bistros »
A story of bistro, tradition and Swiss culinary passion
The Café du Commerce has been an integral part of the Aubonne landscape for over a century in French-speaking Switzerland. Located in the heart of the old town, it has always embodied the spirit of the great popular brasseries of French-speaking Switzerland: a place to meet, enjoy good food and local life. Already in business in 1902 with its original sign, Le Commerce has always been a landmark for Aubonnois and visitors alike. It has seen many generations pass through, laughter, toasts, counter confidences and big tables with loved ones.
After running the Auberge du Cavalier in St-Georges (VD) for 10 years, Maryse and Gérard Ferry took over the Café du Commerce in Aubonne in 1984. They transformed it into a mythical place with a magical atmosphere. Most of the decor (the zinc bar, lighting fixtures, etc.) comes from the famous Parisian flea market of Saint-Ouen! A graduate of the Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne and the Changins School of Oenology, Olivier Ferry took over the reins of the business on January 1, 2013. Nothing less than the 5th generation of Ferry hoteliers!
— The Café du Commerce in 1902
The Café du Commerce in Aubonne is an address with heart and history
In 1993, after 12 years at the Buffet de la Gare in Gland alongside André Mermod, Chef François Claveau succeeded Maryse Ferry in the kitchen. August 2013, Virgile Horber is hired as restaurant manager. On July 1, 2015, he leaves Le Commerce to resume his studies. Lara Heer replaces him until September 2018 (to undertake a degree in catering in October of the same year). Julia Balaguer, on duty since the beginning of 2016, now takes over his position. In the kitchen, François has been supported by Carla for several years now. At the end of 2014 Susana joined them.
Summer 2019. Olivier Ferry is stepping down from the reins of Le Commerce to discover new horizons. Will Aubonne lose this legendary venue? Will friends of Le Commerce be deprived of their favorite bistro and its much-loved team? No. On September 3, 2019, Le Commerce will reopen its doors. Lara Heer, its front-of-house manager, and François Claveau, its head chef since 1993, have taken up the challenge of keeping the Commerce alive, with its quality cuisine and welcome, and its friendly, warm and straightforward atmosphere. They have become the manager and managing partner. The ever-faithful Carla, now accompanied by Susana, will continue to support François in the kitchen, so the Ferry family name no longer appears. But we can say that the current names are those of the “extended family” that continues to keep the spirit of Le Commerce alive.
Today, Café du Commerce is still a lively, gourmet address full of character. We come here to eat well, to share, to meet and to keep the bistro spirit alive, in an unchanged setting, rich in memories and emotions.
— The Café du Commerce in 2018
