In the demanding world of hospitality, where every minute counts, managing operations can quickly become a time-consuming task. Enter GastronomIA, a young Neuchâtel-based startup founded by Julien l’Eplattenier and Kim Chiquet. Their multifunctional app is designed to help restaurateurs optimize their time, reduce food waste, and digitize the many often tedious administrative tasks.
We had the opportunity to talk with the co-founders to better understand their journey, vision, and the future of GastronomIA.
A meeting of complementary expertise
Julien l’Eplattenier comes from the world of gastronomy, with experience in event catering and culinary services. Kim Chiquet, on the other hand, is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 12 years of experience in information technology. Together, they created GastronomIA, an application designed to transform restaurant management by simplifying daily processes.
“Our app helps restaurateurs save time by digitizing everything currently done on paper: orders, notes, recipes, employee files, and more,” explains Kim.
A solution designed for professionals
GastronomIA is not just a simple management app. It has been specifically designed for restaurant professionals. “Nothing as comprehensive exists to date,” says Julien. The application brings together all essential tasks on a single platform, accessible via phone or computer.
“We enable chefs to manage their administrative tasks wherever they are, whether on the bus or between shifts,” adds Kim. The app also provides tools for generating visuals, optimizing recipes, planning menus, and managing client communication on social media.
Challenges in implementation
The idea for GastronomIA was born after years of observing the challenges faced by restaurateurs. However, implementing such a platform was not without obstacles.
“Convincing people of the usefulness of such an application in a traditional sector was not easy,” confides Julien.
The duo also had to find skilled developers capable of meeting the specific demands of the project. “We were fortunate to work with a team of young developers, one of whom was familiar with the restaurant industry, which greatly facilitated development,” recalls Kim.
Why Neuchâtel?
The decision to base GastronomIA in Neuchâtel came naturally, thanks to the strong networks the co-founders had in the region, especially in gastronomy. Julien and Kim also benefited from the support of GastroNeuchâtel, a key local partner, and guidance from the Service of the economy.
“Neuchâtel offered us a network and support we wouldn’t have found elsewhere,” emphasizes Kim. Julien adds, “For a startup, networking is essential, and Neuchâtel is a place where this network can truly make a difference.”
An ambitious vision for the future
In five years, GastronomIA plans to expand beyond Switzerland. “After consolidating our presence in French-speaking Switzerland, we aim to expand into Germany and Italy, with the ambition of becoming a major European player in digital restaurant management,” Kim reveals. The app is already multilingual and ready to conquer the international market.
A crucial collaboration
The co-founders agree that their collaboration with Service of the economy was crucial. “Initially, we weren’t aware of all the available support, but thanks to our network, we accessed resources that significantly accelerated our project development,” says Julien.
Neuchâtel as a FoodTech Hub?
According to Kim, Neuchâtel has much to offer entrepreneurs but still has progress to make in communicating the available support and opportunities for tech startups.
“Neuchâtel could become a hub for FoodTech, attracting more investment and talent,” he suggests. The idea would be to boost the canton’s international visibility by focusing on innovative sectors such as digital gastronomy.