We were lucky to catch up with Pascal and Cathy Fontana recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Pascal and Cathy, thanks for joining us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

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.

Pascal and Cathy, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I originally studied and obtained a Bakery Certificat d’Aptitude Professionnelle (CAP) in Paris, specializing in pastries, breads, chocolates, ice cream, confectionery, and catering. My education gave me versatile expertise in preparing for a future bakery in which we ran for 25 years in France. So, when Cathy and I opened our latest bakery in Pompano Beach, we wanted to bring our favorite French classics! Each day we offer freshly-baked breads such as baguettes, artisan and specialty breads, all made according to traditional, authentic French “savoir-faire.” We also personally prepare and offer an array of French chocolates with a range of flavors and textures.

Our displays offer a selection of butter, chocolate-filled, almond, raisin, and pistachio croissants, and brioches, and more. Our ‘viennoiseries’ are known for their flaky texture and exquisite taste! As a complement to these treats, we offer homemade jams and the most delicious butter flown in from France.

We also offer a wide range of pastries including fruit tarts, éclairs, napoleons, quiches, entremets (cakes), and other delicious creations known for their refined, artistic aesthetics and delicate flavor combinations. And, soon, our bakery will offer artisanal ice cream.

When it comes to wedding cakes and pastries, Cathy and I take great pride in our unique designs. We love seeing the bride’s smile as I deliver the cake to her on the wedding day!

While it’s true that we bake with love, what sets our bakery apart is that we import the majority of our ingredients directly from France, which allows us to use authentic, high-quality ingredients that reflect our French tradition and offer a distinctive taste!

We’d really appreciate if you could talk to us about how you figured out the manufacturing process.

Each product offered has been created and handmade by us at our bakery. Cathy and I get up every morning at 3am and come to the bakery where I prepare for the day by 4am and finish by 7pm six days a week. Our goal is to create products that resonate with your palate by using only the highest quality ingredients from France. We work with the best French brands such as Moulins Foricher, Valrhona, and Isigny-sur-Mer Butter.

We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.

It’s one of our top priorities to provide excellent customer service to each guest by being attentive, friendly, and welcoming. We personalize our approach by recognizing our regulars and remembering their ‘usual’.

Also, we love to connect with our customers using various communication channels. We are active on social media by sharing engaging content and daily specials, as well as, interacting with our online community and local neighbors. We take joy to support our local such fire stations and police stations. We also promptly respond to our customers’ comments, requests, and feedback to show that we care about their satisfaction.     

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bakerypascal.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pascalandcathybakery/?next=%2F
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pascalandcathybakery