What started as an idea to offer French pastries and desserts to wholesale buyers is now a bustling retail space with plans of expansion. Julien Renaut, founder and CEO of La Belle French Bakery, was born in Lille, France and later moved to the United States to pursue his desire for growth.
Renaut opened La Belle French Bakery as a wholesale business on his birthday in July of 2016. When the pandemic hit, Renaut transitioned the concept and began offering La Belle bakery items directly to the public.
The concept had a great response, so Renaut decided to pursue a partnership with Charles Baillehache to expand. “The reason I wanted to partner is to grow the business a lot bigger than what it is now and develop the retail side of the business,” Renaut told What Now Denver.
The La Belle warehouse on Pennsylvania St. in Thornton will remain open, and the new space in Greenwood Village will feature a full-service bakery offering croissants, muffins, scones, and more. The rotating dessert menu includes eclairs and mousse, and savory items such as quiche and sandwiches will be available to diners. Full-service coffee will also be offered.
Renaut hopes to open the new La Belle French Bakery at 8547 E. Arapahoe Rd., Greenwood Village, CO 80112 in late spring or early summer of 2022. Renaut eventually wants to open several other locations.
“We focus on the quality and the value of the products. The value to me is very important,” Renaut said. “As long as customers welcome our products, then we will keep on growing.”
