Bellecour is inspired by the beauty of nouvelle French cuisine and the comfort of the neighborhood bistro. Its name comes from Place Bellecour in Lyon, France, the heart of French gastronomy and home to Chef Gavin Kaysen’s mentors, Daniel Boulud and Paul Bocuse. Mr. Bocuse’s story of generosity and gratitude serves as a guiding inspiration, reminding us that the best meals are those shared with others.
Bellecour continues that legacy here in Minnesota, rooted in authentic French cooking and heartfelt hospitality. From its beginnings as a bakery and restaurant in Wayzata, to its stage as a pop up bakery, to its newest home as an all-day café and neighborhood bistro, Bellecour represents both Chef Kaysen’s love of French tradition and his enduring connection to the community he calls home.
Meet the Team
Gavin Kaysen
Chef/Owner
Gavin Kaysen is the award-winning chef and founder of Soigné Hospitality Group in Minneapolis, known for his nationally acclaimed restaurants and commitment to the craft of hospitality. His North Loop ventures include Spoon and Stable, a James Beard Award finalist; Demi, an intimate 20-seat tasting experience; and Bellecour Bakery & Bistro, along with Bellecour Bakery & Café in Edina. He also leads Mara at the Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis. A two-time James Beard Award winner and author of At Home and The Synergy Series, Kaysen continues to honor his first love, classic French cooking, through the spirit and flavors of Bellecour. He will soon open The Merchant Room, a new restaurant at the Naples Beach Club, a Four Seasons Resort, in Naples, Florida.
Nicole Wilke
Bakery Manager - Edina
Nicole has worked in front and back of house, in pastry and savory departments, now leveraging her broad expertise to manage the bakery at Bellecour’s Edina location. She joined our team from the pastry department of our sister restaurant, Mara, at Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis. Nicole appreciates the warm and welcoming service environment of a daytime bakery and café and loves sharing simple, craveable dishes with our guests.
What are you doing on your days off?
Lately, I’ve been reading as much as I can. My to-be-read pile is growing by the day!
Mackenzie Flynn
Café Manager - Edina
Mackenzie worked in daytime cafés, juiceries, and bakeries around the Midwest before finding a home as our Café Manager at Bellecour in her hometown of Edina. She loves creating drink specials for the space, sharing moments of delight with guests to make their day brighter. Mack manages her team with optimism and joy, fostering an environment of positivity that permeates the café.
What are you doing on your days off?
My fiancé and I are spending time on house projects large and small. I also love decorating over-the-top cakes to celebrate friends and family!