Our History
A timeline of the Buffalo Bailliage's journey through Western New York's culinary landscape.
The Chaîne is Born
King Louis IX of France grants a royal charter to the guild of goose roasters in Paris, establishing the Confrérie de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs.
Revival
Dr. Auguste Bécart and fellow gastronomes revive the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs in Paris, bringing the centuries-old tradition into the modern era.
Founding Bailli: Peter "Gust" Economou
The Bailliage de Buffalo is established on May 5, one of the first in the United States. Economou, a legendary restaurateur and Maître d'hôtel at the Hotel Statler, brings the Chaîne to Western New York.
National Recognition
The Buffalo Bailliage is first mentioned nationally on April 23, establishing its presence on the broader Chaîne stage.
New Bailli: Pasquale Greco
Buffalo's second Bailli takes the helm. A prominent urologist and community leader, Dr. Greco was recruited by Economou himself and championed the simplest foods done extremely well.
New Bailli: Jerome Adner
A wine enthusiast whose palate was awakened while stationed in Germany as an Army JAG officer, Jerry served as Bailli for 12 years and held national roles including Legal Counsel and Chambellan des États-Unis Honoraire.
New Bailli: Robert Leighton
Proprietor of Brighton Liquors and a gifted palate, Bob brought his extraordinary wine expertise to the role. Honored by international wine authorities in France and Italy, he secured memorable venues for the membership.
New Bailli: Michael Conway
A passionate culinarian who trained at the Culinary Institute of America's Boot Camp, Mike's love of food and wine led him from the Buffalo Wine and Food board to serving as Bailli.
New Bailli: Mont Stern
A physician and lifelong wine collector who purchased his first Château d'Yquem as a high school senior, Dr. Stern discovered the Chaîne through Buffalo's Wine and Food Society and led the Bailliage through its 50th anniversary.
New Bailli: Helen Cappuccino
Buffalo's first female Bailli and a third-generation Chaîne member. A surgical oncologist at Roswell Park, Dr. Cappuccino elevated the Bailliage's national profile and proudly inducted both her grandfather at 98 and her daughter in the same ceremony.
New Bailli: Dan Bamrick
A Culinary Institute of America graduate and General Manager of the Saturn Club, Dan brings decades of experience leading food and beverage operations at distinguished hotels and resorts, alongside a passion for mentoring the next generation as a hospitality instructor at Erie Community College.