In the heart of Fresno, a hidden gem has been serving up a taste of French charm and California flair. Chez Maryse, a quaint yet vibrant eatery, is the brainchild of Maryse and her team, who have been perfecting the art of fine dining in a cozy and inviting atmosphere. As a staple in the community, Chez Maryse has garnered a loyal following of foodies and locals alike, all drawn in by the promise of exquisite cuisine and top-notch service. Today, we’re shining the spotlight on this beloved small business, exploring the story behind its success and what sets it apart from the crowd.
The French Touch of Fresno

Chez Maryse, a quaint French bistro in east central Fresno, has been making waves in the culinary scene with its authentic French cuisine and charming ambiance. But what drives the passion behind this popular eatery? For owner Xiamy Ly-Yang, it’s a deep-rooted love for French culture and a desire to recreate the flavors of her childhood.
Xiamy Ly-Yang’s passion for French culture is evident in every aspect of Chez Maryse. From the intricately designed pastries to the expertly prepared crepes, every dish is a testament to her dedication to bringing a taste of France to Fresno.
“I grew up with the French culture,” Ly-Yang says. “I grew up with the language. I grew up with the bread. I just wanted to recreate a little bit of my childhood.” Ly-Yang’s vision for Chez Maryse is more than just a restaurant – it’s an experience that transports customers to the South of France.
Ly-Yang’s love for French culture was instilled in her from a young age. She spent countless hours in the kitchen with her father and grandmother, learning the intricacies of French cuisine and developing a passion for cooking that would eventually become her career.
“I wanted to bring a little bit of that French culture to Fresno,” Ly-Yang says. “I wanted to share that with the community and create a space where people could come and experience it for themselves.”

Owner’s Vision
Xiamy Ly-Yang’s Passion for French Culture
Xiamy Ly-Yang’s passion for French culture is contagious, and it’s clear that she’s dedicated to sharing that passion with the community. From the moment customers step into Chez Maryse, they’re enveloped in a warm and inviting atmosphere that’s reminiscent of a French café.
The restaurant’s interior is designed to evoke the charm of a classic French bistro, with wooden accents, vintage decor, and soft lighting that creates a cozy ambiance. But it’s not just the atmosphere that sets Chez Maryse apart – it’s the attention to detail that goes into every dish that really sets it apart.
“We don’t just serve food here,” Ly-Yang says. “We create an experience. We want customers to feel like they’re in France, if only for a little while.”

Bringing Childhood Memories to Life through Cuisine
Xiamy Ly-Yang’s love for French cuisine is more than just a passion – it’s a way for her to connect with her childhood and share that with others. Growing up, Ly-Yang spent countless hours in the kitchen with her father and grandmother, learning the intricacies of French cuisine and developing a passion for cooking that would eventually become her career.
“Cooking was always a part of my childhood,” Ly-Yang says. “I loved being in the kitchen with my family, learning new recipes and experimenting with different flavors. It was a way for us to come together and create something special.”

The Story Behind Chez Maryse’s Creation
Chez Maryse was born out of Ly-Yang’s love for French culture and her desire to share that with the community. The restaurant was a labor of love, with Ly-Yang pouring her heart and soul into every aspect of the business.
“I wanted to create a space where people could come and experience the beauty of French culture,” Ly-Yang says. “I wanted to share that with the community and create a space where people could feel connected to something greater than themselves.”
Culinary Delights
A Taste of Authentic French Cuisine in Fresno
Chez Maryse is a culinary destination that’s unlike anything else in Fresno. The restaurant’s menu is a love letter to French cuisine, with dishes that are both authentic and innovative.
From the flaky, buttery croissants to the expertly prepared crepes, every dish on the menu is a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to quality and authenticity. And it’s not just the food that’s impressive – the presentation is also a work of art, with each dish carefully crafted to showcase the beauty of French cuisine.
“We’re not just serving food here,” Ly-Yang says. “We’re creating an experience. We want customers to feel like they’re in France, if only for a little while.”
French Pastries, Croissants, and Espresso Drinks
Chez Maryse’s pastry case is a sight to behold, with an assortment of French pastries, croissants, and bread that’s almost too beautiful to eat. Almost.
The restaurant’s croissants are flaky, buttery, and infused with the subtle flavor of French pastry. And the espresso drinks? They’re expertly crafted to bring out the full flavor of the coffee, with a rich and creamy texture that’s simply divine.
The Art of Crepes: A Customer Favorite
Crepes are a staple of French cuisine, and Chez Maryse’s crepes are no exception. Thin, delicate, and expertly prepared, these crepes are a customer favorite and a must-try for anyone visiting the restaurant.
The menu features a variety of crepe options, from classic ham and cheese to more adventurous options like salmon and chicken. And the best part? Each crepe is carefully crafted to showcase the beauty of French cuisine, with a delicate presentation that’s almost too beautiful to eat.
Behind the Scenes
Chef Anthony Garrido’s Artistry and Attention to Detail
Chef Anthony Garrido is the mastermind behind Chez Maryse’s culinary delights. With a passion for French cuisine and a dedication to quality and authenticity, Garrido brings a level of artistry and attention to detail to every dish that’s simply unmatched.
Garrido’s love for French cuisine is evident in every aspect of the restaurant’s menu. From the intricate presentation of each dish to the expertly prepared ingredients, every detail is a testament to Garrido’s commitment to quality and authenticity.
“We don’t just serve food here,” Garrido says. “We create an experience. We want customers to feel like they’re in France, if only for a little while.”
Using Fresh Ingredients and Avoiding Artificial Flavor
Chez Maryse’s commitment to quality and authenticity extends to every aspect of the restaurant’s menu. From the fresh ingredients to the expertly prepared dishes, every detail is a testament to the restaurant’s dedication to quality and authenticity.
“We believe in using only the freshest ingredients,” Garrido says. “We avoid artificial flavor and preservatives, opting instead for natural ingredients that bring out the full flavor of each dish.”
Experimenting with Flavors and Seasonal Ingredients
Chez Maryse’s menu is a love letter to French cuisine, with dishes that are both authentic and innovative. And it’s not just the menu that’s impressive – the restaurant’s commitment to experimentation and creativity is also a testament to its dedication to quality and authenticity.
“We love experimenting with new flavors and ingredients,” Garrido says. “We’re always looking for ways to innovate and improve our menu, and we’re committed to using only the freshest ingredients to bring out the full flavor of each dish.”
The Business Model
Non-Profit Connection
Chez Maryse is more than just a restaurant – it’s a non-profit organization that’s dedicated to helping adults with disabilities find employment. Owner Xiamy Ly-Yang is passionate about creating opportunities for those in need, and Chez Maryse is just the beginning.
“I believe in giving back to the community,” Ly-Yang says. “I believe that everyone deserves the chance to succeed, and I’m committed to creating opportunities for those in need.”
Chez Maryse’s non-profit connection is a testament to Ly-Yang’s commitment to giving back to the community. The restaurant provides employment opportunities for adults with disabilities, and Ly-Yang is dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment for her employees.
“We’re more than just a restaurant,” Ly-Yang says. “We’re a community. We’re a family. And we’re committed to making a difference in the lives of those around us.”
Providing Employment Opportunities for Clients
Chez Maryse provides employment opportunities for adults with disabilities, and the restaurant is dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment for its employees.
“We believe in providing opportunities for those in need,” Ly-Yang says. “We believe that everyone deserves the chance to succeed, and we’re committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for our employees.”
Expanding to Neighboring Space for Dinner Service
Chez Maryse is expanding to a neighboring space, with plans to launch a dinner service by the end of the year. The expansion will provide additional employment opportunities for clients and will allow the restaurant to continue its commitment to quality and authenticity.
“We’re excited about the future of Chez Maryse,” Ly-Yang says. “We’re committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for our employees, and we’re dedicated to providing the best possible experience for our customers.”
Expansion Plans
Creating More Shifts for Clients
Chez Maryse’s expansion plans are focused on creating more shifts for clients, with the goal of providing additional employment opportunities for adults with disabilities.
“We believe in giving back to the community,” Ly-Yang says. “We believe that everyone deserves the chance to succeed, and we’re committed to creating opportunities for those in need.”
The expansion will also allow Chez Maryse to continue its commitment to quality and authenticity, with a focus on creating a safe and supportive environment for its employees.
Continuing the Commitment to Quality and Authenticity
Chez Maryse’s commitment to quality and authenticity is unwavering, and the expansion will allow the restaurant to continue its dedication to providing the best possible experience for its customers.
“We’re committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for our employees,” Ly-Yang says. “We’re dedicated to providing the best possible experience for our customers, and we’re excited about the future of Chez Maryse.”
Chez Maryse’s expansion plans are a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to giving back to the community and creating opportunities for those in need. With a focus on quality, authenticity, and customer experience, the restaurant is poised for success and is sure to continue making waves in the culinary scene.
Impact on the Community
Chez Maryse’s impact on the community goes beyond serving authentic French cuisine. The restaurant is dedicated to bringing French culture to a new audience, supporting local businesses and the economy, and creating jobs and opportunities for people with disabilities.
By providing employment opportunities to adults with disabilities, Chez Maryse is not only empowering individuals but also contributing to the local economy. This initiative is particularly significant, as it addresses a critical social issue while promoting diversity and inclusion.
Practical Insights
Lessons from Chez Maryse
Chez Maryse’s success can be attributed to its commitment to authenticity, creativity, and quality. The restaurant’s use of fresh ingredients, attention to detail, and passion for French culture have created a unique culinary experience that attracts customers from all over.
- The Importance of Authenticity in Business: Chez Maryse’s authenticity is reflected in its commitment to French culture, from the ambiance to the flavorful dishes.
- Creating a Unique Culinary Experience Daily: By experimenting with different flavors and seasonal ingredients, Chef Garrido creates a unique culinary experience daily.
- Using Fresh Ingredients and Avoiding Artificial Flavor: Chez Maryse’s use of fresh ingredients and avoidance of artificial flavor ensures that customers receive an unparalleled culinary experience.
- Authenticity in Marketing and Branding: Ensure that your marketing and branding efforts reflect your business’s values and mission.
- Creating a Unique Experience for Customers: Identify ways to create a unique experience for your customers, whether through exceptional customer service or innovative products.
- Using Fresh Ingredients and Supporting Local Suppliers: Consider sourcing local and fresh ingredients to enhance the quality of your products or services.
- Turning Passion into a Successful Business: Chez Maryse’s success is a testament to the power of turning passion into a successful business.
- Creating a Positive Impact on the Community: By creating jobs and opportunities for people with disabilities, Chez Maryse demonstrates the importance of creating a positive impact on the community.
- Overcoming Challenges and Achieving Success: Chez Maryse’s success in the face of challenges serves as a reminder that overcoming obstacles is essential to achieving success.
Applying Lessons to Your Business
While Chez Maryse’s lessons may seem specific to the food industry, they can be applied to any business. Here are a few ways to incorporate these lessons into your business strategy:
Inspiration for Entrepreneurs
Chez Maryse’s story serves as an inspiration to entrepreneurs, highlighting the importance of turning passion into a successful business, creating a positive impact on the community, and overcoming challenges to achieve success.
Conclusion
In conclusion, our Small Business Spotlight on Chez Maryse, as featured on ABC30 Fresno, has shone a light on the remarkable story of a local entrepreneur who has turned her passion into a successful venture. Through our exploration of Maryse’s journey, we’ve highlighted the importance of community support, and perseverance in the face of adversity. We’ve also seen how her commitment to quality and authenticity has enabled Chez Maryse to thrive in a competitive market.
The significance of Maryse’s story lies in its power to inspire and motivate individuals to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams, regardless of the challenges they may face. Her success serves as a testament to the impact that small businesses can have on their local communities, and the importance of promoting and celebrating these endeavors. As we move forward, it’s essential that we continue to uplift and empower entrepreneurs like Maryse, providing them with the resources and support they need to succeed.
Ultimately, Maryse’s story is a powerful reminder that success is not solely defined by grand gestures or monumental achievements, but by the dedication, hard work, and passion that goes into building something from the ground up. As we reflect on the lessons learned from Chez Maryse, we’re left with a profound appreciation for the transformative power of entrepreneurship, and the boundless potential that lies within each and every one of us.