Voila-Merci will make its own rich and smooth chocolates by mixing dark chocolate with milk and real cream.
The 60-seat bakery will also offer French ice cream, which is more decadent with a thick and custardy consistency, and espresso drinks with the family’s special blend of beans from local roaster Kahwa Coffee.
Voila-Merci will also serve breakfast and lunch, offering things like omelettes, sandwiches, soups, quiches, savory and sweet crepes, salads, and a daily special French meal like coq au vin, a traditional French chicken dish cooked in a red wine sauce.
While a few family members will helm the kitchen, Philippe is hiring additional staff to assist. At his former bakeries, he and his wife manned the storefronts when they initially opened, but eventually employed over 30 workers.
“We have taught our sons traditional French baking and will make everything ourselves,” Philippe said. “But I also want to train young aspiring bakers. I’ve traveled to 27 countries teaching people how to cook and I would love to continue teaching here.”