D'Artagnan: A Legacy of Excellence

1985 – D’Artagnan is founded in Jersey City, NJ, by Ariane and George with a secondhand truck and a small refrigerated space. The first product is fresh foie gras, soon expanding to include whole duck and game birds.

1986 – Ariane smokes duck breasts for the first time, accidentally summoning the NY Fire Department, who end up enjoying the meal. She introduces the “everything but the quack” philosophy at De Gustibus at Macy’s.

1989 – D’Artagnan opens a USDA-inspected kitchen, launching the famous Mousse of 100% Foie Gras. The company grows to 31 employees and its own truck.

1993 – D’Artagnan organizes Mennonite farmers in PA to raise chickens naturally before "organic" labeling is recognized.

1994 – Ariane & George are inducted into the James Beard Foundation’s Who’s Who of Food and Beverage in America.

1996 – D’Artagnan expands to offer pâté and more to specialty retailers and supermarkets.

1997 – D’Artagnan moves to Newark, NJ, with 57 employees and 4 trucks. Julia Child serves a D’Artagnan turkey for Thanksgiving.

1999 – A mushroom and truffle division launches, and “D’Artagnan’s Glorious Game Cookbook” is released.

2000 – D’Artagnan wins a 1st Prize Sofi award for mousse of duck foie gras. The company has 75 employees and 11 trucks.

2002 – D’Artagnan opens a NYC rotisserie restaurant, earning 2 stars from The New York Times.

2003 – D’Artagnan introduces duck bacon.

2004 – The company launches a website and starts direct-to-consumer sales. By year-end, it has 115 employees and 23 trucks.

2005 – D’Artagnan celebrates 20 years with chef dinners and the first Duckathlon. Ariane becomes sole owner and CEO.

2006 – Ariane receives the French Legion d’Honneur. Chicago bans foie gras, sparking a legal and culinary battle.

2007 – D’Artagnan reaches 133 employees and 23 trucks.

2008 – Chicago repeals the foie gras ban.

2010 – D’Artagnan celebrates its 25th anniversary with a Michelin-starred dinner series. Ariane’s memoir is published in France.

2011 – D’Artagnan launches in Chicago, opening its first out-of-state warehouse.

2012 – The Rohan duckling is introduced, a proprietary crossbreed with rich flavor.

2013 – D’Artagnan partners with Jean Reno to offer fine French olive oils.

2014 – The first Cassoulet War is held in NYC, judged by culinary icons like Jacques Pépin.

2015 – D’Artagnan celebrates 30 years with chef events and expands to Houston, TX. Headquarters move to Union, NJ.

2017 – D’Artagnan sponsors the first American team to win the Bocuse d’Or.

2018 – Forbes names D’Artagnan a “Small Giant” among the best small companies.

2019 – New warehouses open in Denver, CO.

2020 – D’Artagnan pivots to serve home consumers during the pandemic, expanding offerings to include fresh fish and vegetables.

2021 – Seeing continued demand, D’Artagnan expands its seafood selection.