IN LOVE ♥ A STRONG PARTNERSHP BUILT ON SIMPLICITY, LOVE & COLLABORATION
NAPERVILLE–These two first crossed paths in January 2000 at a Montreal neighborhood bar. They married in August 2003 in Quebec City, Canada and honeymooned in San Francisco, exploring wine country and enjoying the panorama of route A1.
After 19 years of marriage raising two children, Elyse (15) and Francois (16) who has Autism, they decided to open Chez Francois Poutinerie, a Naperville restaurant opening in 2022 that has a mission to train and employ adults with disabilities; and will feature authentic poutine – French fries, cheese curds and gravy, a staple street comfort food from their roots in Canada.
As the co-founder for the nonprofit organization Friends of Francois that provides social events for the special needs and their families of Naperville, Thi Tram knew that after experiencing empathy, kindness and support from the Naperville school district and its residents, they wanted to give back to the community by providing much needed job opportunities for developmentally disabled adults once they graduated.
The couple has a strong partnership built on simplicity, love, and collaboration to raise a child with special needs. They value hard work and share an abundance of passion, balancing each other in the business world - Francois is a CPA and Thi Tram brings a strong Marketing background along with French and Vietnamese interpreting skills.
Cherishing the simple moments and gaining strength from their struggles, encourage Thi Tram and Francois to make a beautiful life both personally and professionally. -Kristen Kucharski, Photos Submitted
