Today we’d like to introduce you to Pascal & Cathy Fontana.
Hi Pascal & Cathy, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
We had a bakery in Paris, France for over 25 years. We came to Pompano Beach for the holidays. When we came back to France, we decided to sell our bakery to make our dream come true. We wanted to create unique flavors to capture the essence of Paris in our Boulangerie (Bakery) to share with you. All of our products offered in the Bakery are created and made by Chef Pascal and Cheffe Cathy.
We use the highest quality ingredients that are imported from France. We offer delicious pastries, specialty chocolates, French bread, sourdough, and gourmet croissants and very soon we will be unveiling this world’s delicious ice creams. For more information, please visit our website https://www.bakerypascal.com/
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
During the pandemic, we were told to shut down the business. We endured every obstacle and we had a very smooth and powerful opening as our community stood by us.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
We are an authentic French Bakery and café. We make the jam, the cakes, the pastries, the bread, the chocolates, the doggie treats and soon we will make ice creams. We offer breakfast, lunch, coffee, and tea. I get up every morning at 3 am, I come to the bakery where I start preparing for the day.
I work until 7 pm 6 days a week creating products that will resonate with your palette. I am known for my French baguette, my exquisite chocolate purses, and for authentic French flavors. My flour and chocolate are imported directly from France. I also use imported French ham and French butter for my creations.
I am most proud of the unique pastries and wedding cakes that I make because I love the smile that I give to the bride-to-be on her wedding day when I deliver the cake. We are located at 998 N Federal Highway, 33062 Pompano Beach, FL. Our bakery is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 7 am to 6 pm and on Sundays from 7 am to 3 pm.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk-taking.
For over 25 years, my wife Cathy and I ran our bakery in Paris, France. Upon returning home after one of our vacations to Florida, we decided to take the leap and sell our cherished bakery, leaving everything behind for a new dream: to bring the taste of Paris to Pompano Beach. In preparing for this fresh start, there were several risks we had to consider for establishing our new business, especially in a foreign country.
In particular, we had to consider startup costs including leasing, operating, staffing, and equipment costs – not to mention establishing a new home. We also conducted market-comparison research to better understand the locals’ preferred flavor pallet and dining habits, as well as the existing competition and opportunities for growth.
Lastly, we knew that initially there would be a language barrier, but we decided to welcome the challenge as the perfect opportunity to learn English with our new friends, all who would build this dream with us such as our customers, staff, and vendors.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bakerypascal.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pascalandcathybakery/?next=%2F
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pascalandcathybakery
