Crans-Montana
Food and Beverage
Departmental leadership
Xavier Gonet
Director of Food and Beverage
After graduating in Hospitality Management from the Institut Paul Bocuse in France, Xavier spent a decade leading fine dining establishments across China, France, and Dubai.
He played a key role in enhancing revenue and guest experience at renowned venues, including Michelin-starred restaurants and World’s 50 Best destinations like Al Muntaha at Burj Al Arab.
Since joining Les Roches Crans-Montana in 2021, Xavier has spent four years sharing his passion for hospitality with students while overseeing F&B operations and practical arts on campus.
Thierry Lakermance
Executive Chef
Thierry Lakermance began his trajectory in Bordeaux, hospitality school, acquired his professional formation through French Michelin starred restaurants.
Answering culinary and management questions, he ran his business for 8 years, experiencing the skillset of F&B.
Currently Executive chef in Les Roches Crans Montana, surrounded by a team of talented, passionate chefs and instructors with international backgrounds, ready to pass their knowledge, to future managers.
From the Latin substantia, meaning 'something that stands under or grounds things', the name of our fine dining restaurant – Substance perfectly reflects our mission at Les Roches: to support students in their pursuit of excellence.
This modern and vibrant eatery is a genuine highlight of the Les Roches Crans-Montana experience. Substance has broaden its horizons, developing a unique vision of the future of fine dining.
The restaurant’s forward-looking philosophy is rooted in the concepts of evolution and development, with chefs and the students who staff Substance constantly striving to push the boundaries of culinary class and superior service.
Diners at Substance get to feast on an elegant selection of classic and contemporary dishes prepared from high-quality, seasonal ingredients that showcase our chefs’ passion and creativity.
Substance warmly welcomes students, faculty and the broader community, embodying a profound sense of hospitality infused with unparalleled excellence.
Experience the warm embrace of our bar, where every detail is crafted to elevate your spirits and create unforgettable moments.
Coffee bar by day, cocktail lounge by night, Fragrance is the place where people come from all over the campus to meet and enjoy between-class breaks or while away their evenings over drinks.
Central to the venue’s philosophy is the concept of senses where everything is designed to emphasize their importance to food and beverage, which the students who staff Fragrance during their studies discover. From the wooden décor that evokes a sense of nature to the carefully curated drinks menus that tantalize the taste buds and even the name itself, everything is geared towards a heightened sensory experience.
Mornings are filled with the intense aroma of coffee beans, roasted freshly by Cuendet in Crissier, while in the evening, the bar transforms into a vibrant venue where students, faculty and the broader community can sample the classic and modern sophisticated cocktails created by our trained mixologists. Fragrance is truly a place that embodies the sweet smell of success.
More than just a buffet restaurant, Market Place is the vibrant heart of Les Roches Crans-Montana—a place where students, faculty, and guests come together to share meals, exchange ideas, and build lasting connections.
Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner on weekdays, and for brunch and dinner on weekends, Market Place offers a diverse selection of fresh, flavorful dishes to satisfy every taste. Designed to be warm and welcoming, Market Place fosters a dynamic atmosphere where conversations flow as freely as the food. Whether you're starting the day with a nourishing breakfast, enjoying a leisurely weekend brunch, or winding down with dinner among friends, Market Place is more than a dining venue—it’s a gathering space that truly embodies the Les Roches way of life.
Cross-departmental roles
As part of the new F&B organization chart, we have structured the teams by venue while also recognizing the importance of cross-departmental roles.
These key functions—Pastry, Stewarding, and Wine & Beverage—play a vital role in ensuring seamless operations across all venues.
They provide essential support, uphold quality standards, and enhance the overall guest experience. Their purpose is to optimize efficiency, maintain consistency, and drive excellence across the entire F&B division.
Copyright 2024 - All Rights Reserved