Did you know? Why does the McD's in Saint-Lazare have the façade of an Alsatian house?

In the heart of Paris, the Alsatian house at 119 rue Saint-Lazare stands out with its picturesque architecture, reminiscent of 19th-century Alsace. Built by a restaurateur from Strasbourg, this architectural curiosity stands in stark contrast to the neighboring Haussmann buildings. Featuring comical details such as a stork perched on the mantelpiece and a pot-bellied statue of Gambrinus, the "King of Beer", this narrow façade bears witness to the arrival of many Alsatians in Paris following the annexation of Alsace-Lorraine by the German Empire in 1871.

These immigrants perpetuated the gastronomic traditions of their native region by founding brasseries. At 119 rue Saint-Lazare, restaurateur Jacqueminot-Graff began construction of a building in 1892 to house his brewery, named " Au Roi de la Bière Jacqueminot-Graff ". Architect L. Chausson designed a building of modest dimensions, while Paul Marbeau led the conversion work in 1894, giving the façade its current appearance, adorned with brick, half-timbering and other varied decorations.

Do you like to impress the gallery with anecdotes that are as unusual as they are useless? Let us tell you 3 stories about this unusual place:

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1. It is said that during its existence, the brasserie was a meeting place for spies and diplomats during the First World War, adding a mysterious element to the history of this establishment.
   
2. When the "Au Roi de la Bière Jacqueminot-Graff" brewery was inaugurated in 1894, a host of celebrities and political figures of the time were present, testifying to the importance of the event and the brewery's prestige.
   
3. When McDonald's took over the premises in 1998, there were rumours that the fast-food chain would destroy the original architecture of the façade. However, McDonald's is committed to respecting and preserving the building's architectural heritage, even helping to finance the renovation work.
   

The legend of Gambrinus, an emblematic figure for beer lovers, adds a folkloric aspect to the history of this brewery. Frequented by the likes of Dos Passos, Ezra Pound and Ernest Hemingway, the brewery closed its doors for good in 1994. The street façade and roofs, including the stork and the statue of Gambrinus, as well as the three rooms on the first floor, have been listed as Historic Monuments since 1997.

In 1998, the former Alsatian-style brasserie was taken over by the McDonald's fast-food chain. The renovation, carried out by Bâtiments de France, was financially supported by the chain, highlighting the striking contrast between the building's history and its current occupation.

This unusual location at 119 rue Saint-Lazare remains a living witness to Alsatian history and its influence on Parisian architectural heritage, inviting us to discover the traditions and folklore that have spanned the centuries.