When Brittany Meets Colombia

In late 2019, Jonathan Leblanc, a young man from Vannes in Brittany, France, made a bold move. He left his homeland to open a traditional Breton crêperie in Guatapé, a colorful and touristy town nestled in the Colombian Andes, about 80 kilometers from Medellín. The idea may have seemed risky — selling savory buckwheat galettes and sweet crêpes in a country where this type of cuisine is virtually unknown — but it worked. Today, his crêperie El Breton is thriving and has become a local favorite.

Before moving to Colombia, Jonathan had worked in the food industry and knew the crêpe inside out. His goal was not simply to open a restaurant but to share a genuine taste of Brittany with a new audience. He wanted to prove that French culinary heritage could resonate even in places where people had never heard of a galette complète.

His choice of Guatapé was deliberate. The town, famous for its vibrant houses and scenic reservoir, draws thousands of tourists each week. It’s a place where visitors are open to discovery, and where a well-executed, authentic foreign concept can stand out.

And stand out it did. El Breton quickly gained attention thanks to its originality, warmth, and above all, its commitment to authenticity. Jonathan went to great lengths to keep things traditional — using imported buckwheat flour from France, cooking on real “billigs” (Breton crêpe griddles), and following classic recipes from his home region. The décor, the music, the hospitality — everything about the restaurant echoes the spirit of Brittany.

But not everything was smooth sailing. A few months after opening, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, bringing tourism to a halt and forcing many small businesses in Colombia to close. Jonathan had to adapt quickly. He switched to take-out, kept communicating with his followers on social media, and leaned into his core values of quality and community.

His perseverance paid off. Today, nearly five years later, El Breton continues to grow. It has earned a solid reputation among tourists and locals alike, particularly among Colombians with international tastes and travelers eager for something beyond the typical South American fare.

What makes El Breton so special is its focus. While most crêperies in Colombia are part of large commercial chains like “Crêpes & Waffles” — which offer mass-market versions with lots of toppings and sweet sauces — Jonathan’s restaurant remains firmly rooted in tradition. His galettes are crisp, simple, and perfectly executed. His salted butter caramel is homemade. The menu is limited but crafted with care.

By not trying to compete with big local brands, he carved out a niche: a restaurant that delivers an experience rather than just a meal. Customers don’t just eat crêpes — they discover a little piece of France.

The success of El Breton also shows how culinary storytelling can become a powerful business strategy. Jonathan isn’t just selling food; he’s sharing culture. Each dish has a story, and every bite is an invitation to travel. That’s part of why his restaurant has become more than a tourist stop — it’s a destination in itself.

Beyond the kitchen, Jonathan has also become something of a local personality. His story has been featured in French media, and many Colombians now refer to him simply as “the Breton of Guatapé.” He’s proof that entrepreneurship abroad doesn’t have to mean blending in or following trends — sometimes, it’s about staying true to your roots.

What can we learn from Jonathan’s journey? First, authenticity works. In a world full of copies and trends, being real stands out. Second, knowing your audience is key. Jonathan didn’t aim to please everyone — he focused on a specific group: curious tourists and Colombians open to global flavors. And finally, resilience is everything. The pandemic could have ended his project, but instead, it became an opportunity to prove his commitment and creativity.

El Breton is now a model for others who dream of taking their culture abroad. Whether you’re a baker, an artist, or a musician, the message is clear: if you bring passion, quality, and purpose, people will respond — no matter where you are in the world.