Chez Francois Poutinerie To Be Sold After 1 Year In Naperville

NAPERVILLE, IL — Just over a year after opening its doors in Naperville to champion special needs employees and awareness, Chez Francois Poutinerie announced it will be sold. In a post on Facebook, owner Thi Tram Nguyen called the shift "bittersweet."

Nguyen wrote, in part, "This journey has been nothing short of amazing, filled with incredible moments and encounters with beautiful souls. We are immensely proud of the mission we stood for, empowering employees with disabilities and sharing happiness throughout our community."

The announcement went on to thank residents and volunteers for their support.

Patch spoke with Nguyen in August 2022 to learn more about Chez Francois Poutinerie. She explained the restaurant was inspired by and named after her teen son Francois, who has autism.

Nguyen told Patch, “I’m going to try to create a business, so he can have a job," she told Patch. “I’m not just doing it for Francois. I’m doing it for all the population like him who will not be able to find a job."

In Friday's announcement, Nguyen wrote that she hopes Chez Francois Poutinerie's "spirit and impact" will stay alive.

"We encourage you to continue supporting local businesses and embracing inclusivity in all its forms. We are also asking to consider hiring one of our amazing trainees if the opportunity arises or provide training opportunities to area transition schools."

She concluded, "Opportunities lead to possibilities which leave a positive impact on our community."