Frank Meier, born in 1884 in the Tyrol region of Austria, was a renowned barman whose career took him from the United States to Paris, where he became one of the most prominent figures of the Ritz hotel. Coming from a Jewish family of Polish origin, he emigrated to the United States as a young man, where he built a reputation in the hospitality sector before returning to Europe. His career reached its peak in Paris, where he joined the Hôtel Ritz in 1921 and founded its bar, establishing it as a central meeting place for diplomats, writers, artists, and international elites.

In the interwar period, Meier became widely known in Parisian society. His expertise in cocktail-making, combined with his discretion and his ability to manage a diverse clientele, contributed to his reputation. He also published The Artistry of Mixing Drinks in 1936, reflecting his status in the profession.

During the German occupation of France between 1940 and 1944, the Ritz remained open due to the Swiss nationality of its owners. The hotel became a unique environment where German officers, collaborators, and regular clients coexisted. Meier continued to run the bar, serving high-ranking German officials as well as members of the French elite. His role required constant caution, as the Ritz functioned as a space of surveillance, social interaction, and political ambiguity.

At the same time, Meier’s situation was particularly precarious. As an Austrian who had fought for France during the First World War and as someone suspected by the German authorities of being Jewish, he was subject to police attention and investigation. Within this context, he helped provide false identity papers to Jews, contributing to efforts that enabled some individuals to avoid arrest or persecution. These actions were carried out discreetly, within an environment closely monitored by the occupying authorities.

After the Liberation, Frank Meier’s career declined, and he died in 1947.