We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Stacy Simonson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Stacy, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s something crazy on unexpected that’s happened to you or your business
One of the wildest things to ever happen at our restaurant started with a lightning strike and ended with an eight-foot wooden rooster named Chanticleer.
It was a stormy afternoon, just before service. A lightning bolt struck a massive tree in the corner of our parking lot—the sound alone rattled the windows. Branches exploded, bark flew, and the trunk was split open like something out of a movie. By sheer luck, it happened right before we opened, so no guests were around and no cars were damaged. Just the trunk of a once beautiful tree left behind.
Most people would’ve called a crew to haul it off, but Chef Brach had another idea. We hired a local chainsaw artist to transform what remained into a towering rooster—Chanticleer. For a while, he became a bit of a local celebrity. He became a popular spot in Pokémon GO. Yes, our elegant little French restaurant briefly moonlighted as a destination for virtual trainers.
Chanticleer stood tall for years, but eventually, he began to rot from the inside out. As proud as he was, he couldn’t withstand time and the elements forever. We had to say goodbye, and guests asked about him for months afterward.
That’s the thing about owning a business. You plan for the wine pairings, the soufflés, the reservations, and the service but then lightning strikes, literally. And somehow, you end up managing a fine dining restaurant, a Pokémon landmark, and a wooden rooster’s legacy all at once.
It was unexpected, a little ridiculous, and oddly beautiful. But that’s entrepreneurship: the curveballs, the chaos, and the charm of making something meaningful out of the madness.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is Stacy Simonson, and I’m the chef-owner of Chez Nous, a French fine dining restaurant just outside of Houston that has been a beloved part of our community for nearly 40 years. My Husband, Scott, and I have owned the restaurant for 27 of those years, but my journey here started long before I took the reins. I began my culinary career in the kitchen under the guidance of my mentor, Chef Brach—the original founder of Chez Nous and one of the most important influences in my life. Thanks to his mentorship, my husband and I had the opportunity to train in France, an experience that shaped our skills and our perspective forever.
Chez Nous is a classical French restaurant, the kind where the chef is in the kitchen (as it should be), and every dish is prepared with integrity, precision, and a lot of heart. We offer fine dining in an intimate, welcoming setting that’s become a second home to generations of guests, some of whom came on their first date and now bring their grandchildren. We also host private events, craft special holiday menus, and offer catering, take-and-bake gourmet meals, and elegant, customizable experiences for celebrations big and small.
What sets us apart is the deep soul of this place. We don’t just serve food—we create memories. Our team is small, passionate, and fiercely dedicated. Some have been with us for decades, and that sense of family spills into every guest experience. From the moment someone walks through our door, we want them to feel transported, to be cared for, celebrated, and to experience a true fine dining evening.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the consistency and quality we’ve maintained over the years, while still evolving with our guests and their lives. We’ve weathered hurricanes, a pandemic, shifting economies, and changing tastes, and through it all, we’ve remained true to our roots: honoring the craft of French cuisine while always staying connected to the people we serve.
For those who haven’t visited yet, I want them to know that Chez Nous is a labor of love. It’s where my passion for the culinary arts truly took root, where my husband and I began building our shared dream, and where we’ve poured our hearts every day since. Though we may be a bit tucked away outside the city, our guests will tell you it’s always worth the trip. Whether you’re celebrating something special or simply seeking a memorable dining experience, we’re here—aprons on, lights low, and ready to welcome you.
How’d you meet your business partner?
I met my husband, Scott, in the Caribbean, and honestly, I instantly fell in love with him. It felt like something special right from the start. After he left the island, we didn’t see each other for a few years, but we reconnected when he came back to visit his sister. We started dating long-distance when I moved back to the States and began working at Chez Nous. Then, when Chef Brach decided to send me to France for training, Scott came with me, and we’ve been inseparable ever since. After France, we spent some time training in California before returning to Chez Nous to build the life and business we have now. We had our daughter 15 years ago, and now she’s here at the restaurant as a hostess, carrying on the family legacy.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
The biggest pivot we had to make as business owners came during the COVID-19 pandemic. When we were forced to close, we knew we had to find a way to stay connected with our customers and keep the business afloat. We started doing pop-ups in Kingwood, offering gourmet sandwiches, salads, entrees, and desserts. We also introduced 4-course gourmet take-and-bake packages, which became an instant hit. Our customers showed up in full force and supported us in ways we couldn’t have imagined—we sold out every single pop-up. Without that incredible support during such an uncertain time, we wouldn’t have made it through. It really reminded us of the power of community and how resilient our guests are.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cheznoushumble.com
- Instagram: @cheznousfrench
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cheznousfrench
Image Credits
We take all our own photography at the restaurant