Lane Small Business Development Center Business Development & Employer Training Services

French Pâtisserie Opens in Eugene

Have you ever experienced a really great authentic French pâtisserie, baked by a French native? If you have had that pleasure recently, you most likely were one of the first customers of the newly opened Caramel French Pâtisserie.

Chef Barbara Walraet, who grew up in Southeast France and in the French West Indies opened the bakery on August 1, 2009 using several family recipes. She credits her mother with her love of baking, saying “Mom would spend hours in the kitchen to prepare fabulous lunches and exquisite desserts. With simple and basic ingredients she always managed to make the most tasty and original creations.” And now, Barbara, who grew up learning those techniques and more, is bringing those wonderful treats to us. All of her offerings are baked to order, with the exception of her treats she prepares for the new “Community Supported Pastry” Dessert Club.

Like many other successful entrepreneurs, Barbara recognized that she would need additional business knowledge added to her patisserie expertise to turn her dream into a reality. Barbara decided to approach the Lane Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for business assistance. She attended the Going into Business Class, which is a 10-week class that lets entrepreneurs know what to expect when starting a business and how to move their dreams from ideas to reality. Barbara describes the class as very practical and interactive. She says “the teachers were very knowledgeable, extremely helpful and kind. They didn’t hold back on sharing their own positive and negative experiences as business owners.” She also credits the class with giving her the confidence and boost she needed to start her French Pâtisserie business, saying “the one-on-one session after class was priceless.” Barbara continues her relationship with the SBDC as a participant in the Small Business Management Program, where she is getting continued up-to-the-minute business instruction and one-on-one sessions uniquely designed for her company.

Barbara has returned to the GIB class as a member of a business panel, encouraging other entrepreneurs to pursue the opportunities available to them. She also recommends the SBDC to anyone who wants to successfully pursue their dream.

Barbara, who is building her business in stages, takes orders from her website, www.carameleugene.com. The menu on Caramel’s website, features Chocolate Volcano cake (a favorite of the GIB class!), Crème Brulee, Tiramisu, Raspberry and Chocolate Mousse, Cream Swans and many other delectable treats including Barbara’s personal favorite, the Floating Island. That is a very traditional French dessert consisting of ‘an island of soft meringue on a sea of vanilla sauce, topped with crunchy caramel strings—Yum!. It will be hard not to order at least one of everything, but we dare you to try!