Rita Jammet

Rita and her husband André Jammet owned and operated the iconic New York French restaurant, La Caravelle. The New York Times described La Caravelle as a “French Legend and a Paris in Manhattan experience to food enthusiasts and the A-list of American society.” Rita oversaw all aspects of this restaurant’s business management, legal, financial, marketing and public relations, many of the operational details that made La Caravelle excel. As all working mothers, Rita learned to juggle successfully her family and professional duties.

After closing La Caravelle restaurant in 2004, and pursuing her passion for Champagne, Rita started to market and distribute La Caravelle Champagne and Bordeaux, available in a growing number of distinguished New York (and other States) hospitality, restaurant and retail establishments. An avid Champagne lover, Rita promotes not only her La Caravelle Champagne but the Champagne region and wines in general. Capitalizing on her 25+ years of hospitality experience and her extensive network of colleagues that include chefs and restaurateurs worldwide, Rita formed Bouquet Ventures Hospitality Consulting in 2004, undertaking various industry projects.

In recognition for her services to the food, wine and hospitality worlds, in 2019, Rita was bestowed the prestigious Order of Agricultural Merit by France’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food.

Starting during the pandemic, Rita has been very active in the virtual space to keep promoting La Caravelle Champagne through a series of food pairing virtual events. Sharing her experiences and highlighting La Caravelle wines in the social media space, Rita is known as #LuckyRita.

André and Rita are the proud parents of three sons who have built successful careers: Christophe, a digital strategy consultant, Patrick, a consumer products and events marketing specialist, and Nicolas, a co-founder of the sprawling Sweetgreen salad chain.

Giving back to her community and supporting the members of this community are major components of Rita’s life. Rita was a principal architect of “The Days of Taste”, “Spoons Across America”, a wonderful program teaching young students about food and nutrition starting in the classroom. In addition to being a member of the Restaurant Committee of NYC Tourism, Rita takes an active part in the New York Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier, supporting young women in their professional endeavor in the hospitality world.