La Baguette, a French Bakery in Delaware, Continues to Rise

By LOGAN B. ANDERSON, Delaware State Information

DOVER, Del. (AP) — For the previous 5 years, a neighborhood couple have been taking their prospects on a culinary tour of France from proper right here in Dover, and so they plan to proceed for a few years to come back.

Anita Wheeler-Bezy and her husband, chef Ludovic “Ludo” Bezy, are celebrating the fifth anniversary of La Baguette Bakery and Catering.

The couple opened their enterprise in Dover in February 2017.

“I’d like to inform folks that we really feel very privileged to be right here in Kent County and downtown Dover to have the ability to carry fresh-made French merchandise to the realm and we admire their assist,” Ms. Wheeler-Bezy stated.

The couple dreamed of opening their very own enterprise as a result of they wished to share their love of France — which, together with Kent County, in addition they name dwelling — and their ardour for creating genuine French meals, enjoyable experiences and delightful artwork with others. The duo met in 1987 in France, later marrying there in 1990.

Chef Bezy graduated from culinary arts faculty in Saint-Dizier, France, in 1986. Earlier than beginning their very own enterprise, Chef Bezy labored in many various eating places, together with 12 years as chef de delicacies at Michele’s Restaurant at Dover Downs. He additionally has coaching in breads and pastries from his time in France.

Ms. Wheeler-Bezy has a level in hospitality administration and retired from the ophthalmology subject after 21 years. She is the advertising director for all of their initiatives, of which there are numerous.

La Baguette gives contemporary breads, croissants, pastries and truffles together with a menu of quiches, sandwiches and salads. The bakery additionally has a full catering service with picks that every one provide a style of France.

Ms. Wheeler-Bezy stated with pleasure that the bakery makes use of solely pure and genuine substances of their meals, “no high-fructose corn syrup, no components, no preservatives and we use non-GMO flour.”

She added that the couple’s enterprise motto is “Stunning meals — distinctive style.”

Ms. Wheeler-Bezy has a deep reference to the Dover space and tries to provide again to the neighborhood every time she will.

“My dad was within the Air Drive for 21 years, and after we moved to Dover, which was 1987. I’ve at all times beloved it right here. I’ve actually felt at dwelling right here, like from the second we bought right here. And we’re so near the whole lot. We’re near the seashores. We’re near Philadelphia and New York Metropolis, Washington, D.C., if we have to go to these locations. And Dover Air Drive Base may be very close to and pricey to me,” Ms. Wheeler-Bezy stated.

The couple usually donates breads and different objects to assist many causes that assist the Dover space.

“I simply actually get pleasure from giving again to the neighborhood. There’s actually no different solution to clarify that. That’s how I used to be introduced up, you realize, to provide to those that want it. It’s very heartwarming. Makes me really feel good with out wanting something in return,” Ms. Wheeler-Bezy stated.

Their purposeful connection to the area may also be seen within the merchandise La Baguette makes use of and gives of their retailer.

“We promote Rise Up Espresso (from Easton, Maryland), we promote Lavender Fields merchandise from Milton. We promote Fordham & Dominion sodas right here. We additionally promote a neighborhood honey from Milford. Lots of people are on the lookout for native honey for allergy symptoms as a result of individuals in Delaware endure from allergy symptoms and pure honey from the realm may be very useful,” Ms. Wheeler-Bezy stated.

The bakery and catering enterprise has about 18 staff, however in the course of the hardest a part of the COVID-19 pandemic, they needed to run their operation with simply three individuals, and two of them have been the homeowners.

La Baguette scaled again their hours to sooner or later of gross sales. They made a pick-up window for orders, together with curbside service and on-line ordering.

Slowly, they have been capable of re-open for extra days and supply an expanded menu.

“We supplied consolation meals. So individuals may get soups and mac and cheese and issues like that, as a result of individuals wanted consolation meals throughout that point, plus a few of our favorites. We had sizzling meals that they may take dwelling — pizza, quiche, issues like that, it was all supplied on-line,” Ms. Wheeler-Bezy stated.

She stated she is grateful for the neighborhood’s assist in the course of the international disaster. Some prospects got here by and bought reward playing cards as a method of supporting the enterprise.

La Baguette additionally gave again to the neighborhood by feeding many first responders.

Chef Bezy wakes up very early day by day to ensure La Baguette is stocked with scrumptious treats. He normally begins at about 3 a.m., he stated.

“It’s exhausting work, however it’s good,” he stated.

Chef Bezy is an artist with flour and different baking substances however in his free time he additionally likes to create with paints.

A few of his work are on show within the bakery and are additionally featured within the retailer’s merchandise line.

The couple lately introduced that they’re engaged on a cell meals trailer. They plan to take their French delicacies on the street to space festivals and occasions sooner or later.

To be taught extra about La Baguette, go to labaguetteDE.com.

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