
of gourmet stories
As surprising as it may seem, the company was born thanks to the arrival of therailroad.
In 1866, the station of Capdenac-Gare became a strategic location on the Toulouse – Paris line. At that time, Théophile Raynal ran the station’s buffet, a restaurant popular with travelers. He joined forces with Ernest Roquelaure, a chef who had earned his stripes in the European princely courts.
In 1876, the two visionary partners founded the Maison Raynal & Roquelaure. They had the bright idea of canning the delicious dishes they prepared, including the golden pâté, the brand’s oldest product. The concept of the appertized ready meal was born.