By Mia Shou | Posted December 22, 2022
The new Paris Baguette bakery in Belle Mead is filled with a variety of sweet and savory pastries, including matcha mochi donuts, curry croquettes, red bean bread, and of course the traditional French decadent treats – croissants, macaróns, eclairs, and fresh baked baguettes.
The line of customers stretched out the door on opening day.
Menu aside, Partner and General Manager Robert Young provides a welcoming atmosphere filled with anticipation. Young successfully transitioned from selling residential building materials to owning a bakery. It may sound worlds apart, however on December 17, with the celebrated grand opening of Paris Baguette in Belle Mead, he made the switch.
For 20 years, he worked selling windows and doors. “I reached a point where I needed a change,” said Young. “My mom is an excellent home baker, and I think her passion for creating delicious treats is what inspired me. It’s easy to see the joy they bring to everyone in my extended family. I think I wanted to spread some happiness as well.”
Young lives in Morristown but plans to move to Montgomery. He said he reached out to some of his best friends and fraternity brothers from Rutgers University to help him achieve his dream. He is now partners with Dennis Ahn of Montgomery, Achal Jain of North Brunswick, and Avtar Dharmi of Bridgewater.
“Landing in Montgomery was really linked to [them], and what we believed was a great idea,” said Young.
The Montgomery Business Association (MBA) and township leaders at the December 17 grand opening. From left: MBA Treasurer Susan Mullin of Nigido Mullin Investment Strategies; MBA President James Danner of Red Barn Printing; Dennis Ahn, partner; Mayor Devra Keenan; Robert Young, partner; Achal Jain, partner; Avtar Dharmi, partner, and Township Committeeman Vincent Barragan.
Ahn and Jain are working to open Kasia Market, an upscale Asian supermarket, right next door to the bakery in Montgomery Place. The new retail center at the corner of Belle Mead-Griggstown Road and Route 206 also has a Stem Academy, a CVS, and a Dogtopia doggy day care.
Despite global challenges to retail businesses — supply-chain shortages, inflation, COVID, and a shortage of workers — Young says he stayed the course by “believing” in his goal.
“Also, having support from a strong core team has made a huge difference,” he says.
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“Things can always be better if you strive for perfection while also realizing that perfection may never be reached,” he said.
Given the success of opening day, it seems Young may have reached his goal. ■
Paris Baguette, 2311 Route 206 / Belle Mead Road, Unit A, Montgomery
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