chez

Chez is a French preposition meaning "at the home of" or "in the house of." In normal French usage it marks location in relation to a person or place, as in "chez Marie" (at Marie's house) or "chez le médecin" (at the doctor's). In English contexts, the form is rarely used outside of proper names and branding, where it signals a personal, homestyle or hospitable association.

In hospitality and cooking, "chez" is widely used in the names of restaurants and guesthouses. The term conveys warmth, informality, and a sense of intimate service, suggesting that the establishment offers a personal touch rather than a formal dining room.

Notable example: Chez Panisse is a well-known Berkeley, California restaurant opened in 1971 by Alice Waters. It is celebrated as a pioneer of the farm-to-table movement and is named to evoke the idea of a cook's home kitchen.

Other uses: The phrase "Chez Moi" (meaning "at my place") or "Chez Nous" ("at our place") appears frequently in restaurant branding, signage, and advertising, particularly among establishments aiming to evoke French charm. Beyond commerce, "chez" remains a standard preposition in French, used with person or place names.