Viengkham Jabri; from employee to business owner in Mulhouse by taking over Engel's Coffee and Mamma Mozza
This Monday, June 2, 2025, marks a turning point in the commercial life of Maison Engelmann in Mulhouse.
Andrea Bon, founder of the two brands in 2012 and 2015, isn't leaving the business entirely. He will continue the Mamma Mozza adventure in his shops in Sausheim and Lutterbach, and will even assist the new owner during the transition. "I had some wonderful years at Maison Engelmann and I will never forget the kindness of the customers," he says, his voice filled with emotion.
A Mulhouse success story
Working at Engel's Coffee since 2023, 44-year-old Viengkham Jabri boasts a solid background in the restaurant industry: eleven years spent at Le Grand Comptoir near the central train station before joining this Mulhouse institution. Enthusiastic and ambitious, she confides: "Taking over Engel's Coffee, one of Mulhouse's iconic establishments, is a real challenge for me." With her at the helm, there will be no abrupt change, but rather a commitment to continuity and quality: the same team, the same chef, homemade cuisine prepared with fresh ingredients, and extended opening hours, from morning coffee to evening aperitifs, and even beyond in the summer.
The Italian caterer becomes Engel's Gourmet: the world's grocery store.
The caterer Mamma Mozza, which shared its kitchen with the restaurant, is becoming Engel's Gourmet. A new name for a new vision: that of a gourmet grocery store expanded to include flavors from around the world. While Italian products remain a focus, Viengkham Jabri also wants to highlight local specialties, such as foie gras from Maison Georges Bruck, and partnerships with local businesses like Le Comptoir de Messénie.
At a time when many dream of career advancement but don't always dare to take the plunge, Viengkham Jabri's story resonates as a breath of hope. Just a few months ago, she was serving morning coffees behind the counter at Engel's Coffee, and now she's the owner. An inspiring rise that proves anything is possible.
In an era sometimes marked by doubt and resignation, Viengkham Jabri's journey is an invitation to believe in one's abilities. Those who know a company from the inside can also become its pillars. His story inspires us to believe that every employee can, one day, become a boss, in Mulhouse as elsewhere.