Moving to France often starts with a dream. For some, it is the dream of slower mornings, better bread, and long lunches on sunny terraces. For others, it is the dream of building something new in a country known for its lifestyle, culture, and appreciation of good food. For Sid and Mark, it became both.
Their story is not simply about opening a sandwich shop in Bordeaux. It is about bringing together two cultures, two generations, and decades of experience to create something uniquely their own. A French father who built his culinary career in the United States, and an American-born son raised in kitchens, restaurants, and food markets, deciding to return to France to open an authentic American deli in one of the country’s most dynamic cities.
For anyone considering moving to France, launching a business abroad, or simply imagining a different life here, their journey offers a realistic and inspiring glimpse into what that can look like.
From Michelin-Star Kitchens to American Delis
Mark’s journey began in the south of France, where food is more than a profession; it is part of daily life. After training in French cuisine and working in prestigious restaurants, an opportunity took him to New York City at just 22 years old. What began as a professional adventure quickly became a life abroad.
Over the following decades, Mark built an impressive culinary career in the United States, working in renowned restaurants and major hospitality projects. From New York to Las Vegas, he worked in some of the country’s most iconic establishments, helping open large-scale venues and refining his craft in high-pressure kitchens. His career blended classic French culinary training with the scale, speed, and diversity of American food culture.
Sid grew up in that world.
For him, restaurants were not just places to eat. They were part of everyday life. He spent summers working in markets and delis, learning the business from the inside. He was surrounded by international cuisine, quality ingredients, and the constant search for what people wanted to eat next. That upbringing shaped not only his taste but also his entrepreneurial instincts.
Together, father and son had the perfect mix of experience, vision, and cultural perspective to create something new in France.
Why Bordeaux?
For many expats, the instinct is to move to Paris. It is the obvious choice, the fantasy city, the place most associated with French life abroad.
But increasingly, Bordeaux is becoming one of the most attractive destinations for internationals.
Known for its wine, architecture, and elegant city centre, Bordeaux offers many of the things people love about Paris, but with a more manageable pace of life. It is international without being overwhelming, sophisticated without feeling inaccessible, and dynamic enough to support new business ideas.
For Sid and Mark, Bordeaux offered the perfect environment to launch an American-style deli.
The city has a growing expat community, a strong food culture, and customers increasingly open to international concepts. It also has enough foot traffic and nightlife to support a takeaway-friendly concept, especially in the city centre.
And unlike Paris, where competition can be overwhelming, Bordeaux still offers space for businesses to stand out.
Bringing American Sandwich Culture to France
Opening an American deli in France is not as simple as putting meat between two slices of bread.
In the United States, deli culture is huge. Sandwiches are fast, filling, and often built for convenience. They reflect the country’s immigrant history, blending Italian, Jewish, Mexican, and countless other culinary influences into handheld meals designed for people on the move.
In France, sandwiches are different.
French customers often associate “American food” with fast food. They expect indulgence, but they also expect quality. Bread is not negotiable. Presentation matters. Ingredients are scrutinised.
Sid and Mark understood this immediately.
Rather than simply importing an American concept unchanged, they adapted it for France. They kept the soul of the recipes, the Philly cheesesteak, the bacon, egg and cheese, the deli-style classics, but elevated them with high-quality French ingredients:
- Fresh local bread.
- Better cuts of meat.
- Careful presentation.
- Homemade elements.
The result is a concept that feels authentically American while still meeting French expectations.
In many ways, it mirrors the wider expat experience in France: success often comes from adaptation, not imitation.
The Reality of Starting a Business in France
Of course, the dream is only one part of the story.
The reality of opening a business in France is administrative.
Like many expats and entrepreneurs, Sid quickly found himself navigating paperwork, licences, permits, and long timelines.
Opening a food business requires hygiene and food safety certification. Selling alcohol requires additional licensing. Setting up a company means creating legal structures, opening business bank accounts, and managing endless administrative tasks.
And then there is the challenge of finding the right commercial space.
In Bordeaux’s centre, desirable locations move fast. Negotiations take time. Legal processes take even longer.
What might move quickly in the United States can take months in France.
This is one of the biggest lessons many expats learn when moving here: France rewards patience and preparation. The system is not necessarily faster or easier, but once you understand it, it becomes more manageable.
Family, Food, and Building Something Together
What makes this story particularly compelling is not just the move to France or the business itself. It is the family element.
This is not a solo founder story. It is a father and son building something together.
Mark brings decades of culinary expertise and a deep understanding of food quality and hospitality. Sid brings energy, ambition, and the entrepreneurial drive to make the concept work in today’s market.
Together, they have created something that reflects both of them. A little bit French, a little bit American and entirely personal.
🤝 Follow Rob and Lisa's family adventures
- Website: sidsdeli.fr
- Instagram: @sidsdelibdx
📍 Sid’s Deli 9 Rue Paul Louis Lande, Bordeaux city centre Open from 12 PM to 10 PM