History of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs
The Chaîne des Rôtisseurs is an international gastronomic society founded in Paris in 1950, dedicated to advancing fine dining and culinary arts. The organization traces its heritage to the medieval Royal Guild of Roasters founded in 1248 under King Saint Louis of France, which received a Royal Charter and coat of arms in 1610.
Dissolution and Revival
The original guild was dissolved during the French Revolution in 1789. The modern Chaîne was revived in 1950 by five founders — Curnonsky (titled Prince of Gastronomes), Dr. Auguste Becart, Jean Valby, Louis Giraudon, and Marcel Dorin — who sought to restore culinary excellence following wartime hardship. They restored the historical coat of arms to the organization.
Today
The society encompasses over 26,000 members across 120+ countries. Each regional chapter, called a bailliage, operates independently under a bailli and conducts fine dining events, tastings, educational seminars, and social gatherings. The organization supports culinary education through scholarships and sponsors competitions for young chefs and sommeliers.
The Calgary Bailliage was founded in September 1974 and is one of the largest and most active chapters in Canada.