The Beginning
Young Laurent grew up in the south of France, in sunny Aix-en-Provence. After honing his craft at the prestigious Lenôtre school in Paris, he returned to his childhood dream and perfected the art of making bread.
His speciality and first love, was levain – sourdough allowed to rise naturally, made without added yeast, shortcuts or compromises.
As the years went by, he developed recipes that were authentically French, but with a modern and unique twist.
The First Store
In 1993 Laurent opened his first boutique bakery at the Como Centre in South Yarra. Today, as it was on that inaugural day in 1993, Laurent's bakery continues to be a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike, a place where the spirit of French baking is celebrated with every delicious bite.
Expansion
It became clear to Laurent that Australians had an appetite for the authentic French flavours, evident in the resounding success of his original bakery.
Laurent embarked on a journey of expansion, opening additional boutiques across affluent neighbourhoods in Melbourne. With each new boutique, he sought not only to satisfy the growing demand for authentic French delicacies but also to create vibrant and unique architectural hubs where locals could gather, indulge, and forge connections over their shared love of exquisite pastries and breads.
Laurent Today
With 18 bustling retail locations scattered across Melbourne and a dedicated team of over 500 hardworking employees, Laurent's bakery has become a cornerstone of the city's culinary landscape. From the vibrant streets of the CBD and shopping centres to the tranquil suburbs, each bakery serves as a hub of activity, drawing in locals and visitors.
Behind the scenes, a diverse and passionate team of bakers, pastry chefs, and customer service professionals. Guided by his unwavering commitment to quality and authenticity, they work in harmony to ensure that every creation that emerges from their ovens is a true reflection of French culinary artistry.
Despite its growth and success, Laurent's bakery remains rooted in family values, with Laurent and his family working together to this day to deliver the best food and experience.
