In 2000, the Restaurant Association of Maryland established a “Hospitality Hall of Honor” to recognize those industry leaders who have exhibited hard work, dedication, courage and creativity while representing the Hospitality Industry in Maryland. Tonight’s five Hall of Honor inductees all live up to the high standards set by each and every one of our previous year’s inductees.

Fernand and Odette Tersiguel were both raised in Brittany, France. Fernand and Odette arrived in New York City in 1964. On November 6, 1968 Fernand opened his first restaurant, La Poularde, in New York. This put Fernand on the national map and the state of Maryland, struggling to grow, recruited Fernand to come and grow his business here.  He began managing the restaurant at Cross Keys Inn in Columbia in 1972. Fernand then worked for Papillion Restaurant in Ellicott City until he and Odette opened Chez Fernand Restaurant at 8141 Main Street in Ellicott City in 1975.

Chez Fernand was the huge success both Fernand and Odette hoped it would be. They were able to grow both their business and contribute to the growth of Ellicott City and helping to create the “little town in Europe” feel the Ellicott City has become to be known for. Fernand and Odette were prospering in every way, until, November 16th, 1984.  The restaurant they had labored for and loved burned to the ground. 

It was a divesting time for them. Both were ready for a change and decided to move Chez Fernand to Baltimore City. The restaurant, located by the Shot Tower, was a success as Fernand and Odette knew it could be, however, after five years in Baltimore, the shrewd business man and the executive chef were ready to come back to Ellicott City. In October 1990, Fernand and Odette returned to Ellicott City and opened Tersiguel’s French Country Restaurant at 8293 Main Street.

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