Dibar: The New Bistro-Cantine Making Waves in Rennes
By Brian Le Goff Published on Nov 13, 2024
Picture this: a cozy spot in Rennes where you can grab a drink, sink your teeth into some locally-sourced vegetarian delights, and bond over your mutual love for knitting and awkward family gatherings. Well, get ready to get your taste buds tingling because Dibar is about to become your new favorite hangout! Located conveniently across from the Jacques-Cartier metro station on Place Thérèse-Pierre, this new bistro-cantine is the brainchild of three passionate food enthusiasts: Olwen, Léna, and Jean-Marie.
“We knew each other. Jean-Marie founded and managed the bar Le Papier timbré. Olwen worked in restaurants and Léna in the kitchen.”
The masterminds behind Dibar
Where Everyone Knows Your Name… And Your Dietary Preferences!
In a world where culinary options can be as stale as a week-old baguette, the team behind Dibar wants to spice things up. With a vision to create a space “where you can have a drink with friends and eat on site or to take away” – their offering is a breath of fresh air. And all you vegetarians out there, rejoice! They’re championing vegetarian cuisine made from local seasonal products. That’s right – the only thing green on your plate might actually be edible!
But this isn’t just another cookie-cutter restaurant. Dibar is set to operate as a Scop, meaning it’s owned and governed by its employees. It’s like a democratic government but with better snacks! Remember the old Pique-Plum? Yes, they’re taking over its now-empty premises and reviving the area’s culinary spirit while cutting through the blandness of the pre-fab dining experience.
A Hub of Activity
Wait, there’s more! Dibar isn’t satisfied with just being a restaurant; it aspires to become a place of emulation. Olwen and Léna dream of hosting “meetings, conferences, screenings, family events, and even knitting aperitifs.” Because nothing says ‘fun night out’ quite like bonding over yarn and needles!
“In fact, Dibar means ‘mismatched’ in Breton. This word completely corresponds to the spirit of the place we are creating.”
Olwen, future associate manager of Dibar
With 25 seats indoors and 40 on the terrace (which they’re still negotiating – as if seat negotiations were a thing!), Dibar promises a vibe that’s equal parts cozy bistro and lively community hub.
Fundraising and Future Fun
Of course, dreams don’t pay for themselves. To get Dibar off the ground, the trio has launched a crowdfunding campaign, aiming for €20,000. Spoiler alert: they’re already over €7,000—it’s like watching your neighbor’s dog learn to skate! For €10,000, you get a machine, sound system, and board games for when the vegetarian delights aren’t quite enough to keep the laughter going. Hit that €20,000 mark, and they’ll even treat you to some frescoes on the walls. Because when it comes to ambiance, who doesn’t love a good painting of cows grazing peacefully?
Thinking of pitching in? Surprisingly, your contribution won’t just be a charitable act. Léna assures that every cent spent will come with its own compensation. Who said crowdfunding couldn’t come with perks? Count me in!
In conclusion, Dibar sounds like the new perfect spot to gather with friends, challenge each other to knitting competitions, or simply enjoy a good meal without sacrificing your vegetarian sensibilities. So whether you’re in Rennes or just passing by, keep your eyes peeled for this quirky addition to the local food scene. It might just become the place “where everybody knows your name.”
For more details, check out their crowdfunding platform here. Don’t miss your chance to be part of something deliciously mismatched!
Exciting New Bistro-Canteen on the Horizon
Rennes is soon to welcome an innovative new bistro-canteen, aptly named Dibar. Olwen, Léna, and Jean-Marie have joined forces to establish this exciting venture, strategically located across from the Jacques-Cartier metro station on Place Thérèse-Pierre in the vibrant Sud-Gare district.
We knew each other through our previous experiences. Jean-Marie founded and managed a popular bar, Le Papier timbré, while Olwen honed her skills in various restaurants, and Léna excelled in culinary roles.
The three future managers of Dibar
A Unique Destination for Food and Drinks
The vision shared by the partners is to cultivate a welcoming atmosphere where patrons can unwind, enjoy a drink, and savor meals either on-site or for takeaway. Emphasizing vegetarian cuisine crafted from locally-sourced seasonal ingredients, they are committed to quality and sustainability.
Setting Dibar apart from other eateries, the founders are opting for a SCOP structure, which means the business will be cooperatively owned by its employees, embodying democratic governance and shared responsibility.
This modern business model pays homage to the former Pique-Plum restaurant, part of the Biocoop network, which occupied the same location before its closure several months ago. “We were eagerly searching for opportunities to breathe new life into this space,” recalls Léna, explaining how they reached out to Biocoop, who was excited about their vision.
A Hub for Community Engagement
Beyond simply providing food and drinks, the new bistro-canteen aims to be a dynamic community hub where people convene. “Despite the heavy foot traffic from metro users, many fly by without stopping,” they observe.
With plans to host a diverse array of events, Dibar will offer a programming lineup that includes meetings, conferences, film screenings, family gatherings, and unique knitting aperitifs. To enhance its bustling atmosphere, the venue will also feature an eclectic array of musical performances encompassing acoustic and electronic genres, as detailed by Olwen and Léna.
Indeed, the name Dibar translates to “mismatched” in Breton, perfectly capturing the eclectic spirit we aim to foster.
Olwen
Occupying a cozy space, Dibar will accommodate 25 patrons indoors and an inviting 40 on the terrace, which is currently under consideration.
Crowdfunding for Community Support
To turn their vision into reality, the trio has launched a crowdfunding campaign centered on attracting investment for essential renovations. “Our goal is to gather funding for the final touches on the space,” notes Léna, emphasizing that all contributions will come with rewards.
Announcing an ambitious target of 20,000 euros, they have already garnered over 7,000 euros in support. “With 10,000 euros, we can purchase necessary equipment like sound systems and board games. At 15,000 euros, we aim to acquire outdoor parasols and a bicycle cart for deliveries, and with 20,000 euros, we will secure funding for a professional painter to enhance the storefront and design an inspiring interior fresco.”
Access to the crowdfunding platform.
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