Photo By Graham Lienhart

Jean-Franois Flechet

Jean-François Flechet has come a long way from Liège, Belgium. Nine years ago, Flechet came to the United States to complete a doctorate in economics at the University of Pennsylvania. He completed his schooling and relocated to accept a job in Northern Kentucky, then quit his job two years ago to build a hot-food vending machine with a friend. They designed and built the prototype machine in a basement. "I spent way too much money on that," says Flechet. "And I had to find a way to get money coming in." No one is complaining about the way Flechet decided to make some money. He makes and sells traditional Belgian waffles at Findlay Market on Saturdays and Hyde Park farmer's market on Sundays.

CityBeat: What's the last great meal you ate and where did you eat it?

Jean-François Flechet: That was at Slim's, and I'm trying to remember exactly what we had. I can't remember. I think we had the beef tri-tip. I've been there many times and it's sort of my favorite place. The food is always good, and the people are friendly.

CB: Have any Belgians sampled your Belgian waffles at Findlay Market yet?

JF: Yeah, a couple. They said it's like the ones that would be sold on the streets in Brussels. They told me that they're even better than there. A lot of the shops in Belgium get the dough delivered, but I make everything fresh. The waffle people love the one with the Madison's hazelnut gelato on it. They love it.