The Story of the Olive Man
![Byron Bay Olive Co. The story of how it all started](http://byronbayoliveco.com/cdn/shop/files/Byron_Bay_Olive_Co_Story.jpg?v=1673307803&width=1500)
It all started in 1989...
Hailing from a French Mediterranean beach town called Sanary-Sur-Mer, Antoine grew up selling olives made with traditional French recipes at the daily market with his parents.
"I grew up with my parents' stall, from a young child to a teenager, working for them when I could. My first job at the market was to scoop the spices for customers when I was 5 years old. Much of my childhood was spent exploring the market and helping my parents."
![From Sanary-sur-Mer to Byron Bay](http://byronbayoliveco.com/cdn/shop/files/South_of_France_Sanary.jpg?v=1676852109&width=1500)
Sanary-Sur-Mer
Sanary-Sur-Mer is a picturesque seaside village located on the French Riviera, half way between Marseille and St Tropez.
It abounds with bustling markets, the freshest seafood, and charming family-run restaurants serving the best traditional Provençal dishes.
![Antoine Quezel is the founder, owner, and general manager of Byron Bay Olive Co.](http://byronbayoliveco.com/cdn/shop/files/Byron_Bay_Olive_Co_Market.jpg?v=1673307724&width=1500)
From the South of France to Byron Bay
Whilst visiting the local Byron shire markets, Antoine noticed a lack of the culinary traditions he grew up with.
Thus, he opened his first market stall at Bangalow Markets in June of 2015, becoming a big hit and selling out weekly. He expanded to various markets throughout the area, and the rest is history.
![The Olive Place in Byron Bay offers mouth-watering sandwiches Provencal style](http://byronbayoliveco.com/cdn/shop/files/ByronBayOliveCo_LaCuisine-5.jpg?v=1664880446&width=1500)
La Cuisine Deli
In 2018, La Cuisine, our little French deli, was born in Byron Bay's Industrial estate, offering French baguettes, pastries, coffee and, of course, our famous olives. Who needs a Mediterranean holiday when we have everything you need to create one at home?
![Arthur Ferrandez, barrista and Manager of The Olive Place](http://byronbayoliveco.com/cdn/shop/files/The_Olive_Place_Byron_Bay.jpg?v=1673307157&width=1500)
The Olive Place
Our new Café launched in October 2022.
It’s much more than a deli & eatery. It is also a convivial gathering place for locals and travellers. It is a lovely and spacious space for sharing a cuppa with friends, for business meetings, for a quick nibble and everything in
between. Grab a seat on our terrace for a beautiful Mediterranean inspired lunch drizzled in sunshine.