A much-loved cafe often described as bringing a slice of the French Quarter to the Sunshine Coast is heralding a new chapter.
Six years since opening La Maison du Patissier, owners Eric and Francoise Pernoud have handed over the reins to a local family who plan to honour the cafe’s French fare.
Located at Meridan Plains, the cafe is known for offering an array of traditional desserts and croissants, cooked breakfast and lunch options as well as freshly baked sourdough – all made on site.
It’s been a labour of love for the Pernouds who met in the French Alps when they were 14 years old and have since worked across the world specialising in patisseries.
Prior to their Meridan Plains cafe, they ran Maison de Provence in Cooroy for 12 years, until they sold in 2017.
Wanting to put health first and ensure they have more time to spend with family, the Pernouds have decided to step down, handing the business over to Sunshine Coast locals Andrew and Jade Ackerman.
Speaking with Sunshine Coast News, Ms Pernoud expressed a heartfelt thanks to the community for its support over the years.
“Eric and I are so grateful for the support, kindness, love and friendship from all of our customers,” she said.
“They have become like our extended family.
“It is a bittersweet feeling for me as I am stepping down but my health is not great and I have to, for once in my life, look after me.
“Eric is staying on with all our beautiful staff, so the quality of food and the amazing service will stay the same.”
Ms Ackerman, who was born and raised on the island of Jersey between France and England, said the couple planned to honour the La Maison that the community has come to love over the years.
No stranger to the hospitality industry, for the past decade she has worked alongside her family, which owns an events-based mobile cafe in Brisbane.
Now with a seven-month-old son, Charlie, the Ackermans decided this was the next career step for them.
“We were looking at opportunities to get into a business that our family can grow with and be proud of,” she said.
“La Maison was perfect for us to take over an existing business that we could walk into without making any changes but with so much opportunity in the future.
“We are excited to be a part of such a welcoming community.
“Our main goal is to ensure our customers remain the ‘famille’ they are currently.
“Francoise and Eric have done a fantastic job turning the business into what it is today.”
Ms Ackerman said her favourite La Maison delicacy was the raspberry and white chocolate mousse, while Mr Ackerman’s was the brioche de modane.
She said the cafe would continue to grow with the couple keen to explore opening the venue beyond its existing Friday to Sunday trading.
“All in all the venue will be the same La Maison everyone has come to know and love,” she said.
“We will make changes as time goes on through feedback we have received from customers already.
“Our food, staff and vision will stay the same with plans to open up more when the demand is there and potentially even open for dinner service every now and then.
“We welcome everyone’s feedback and suggestions and look forward to getting to know the community more.”
Find La Maison du Patissier at 3/5 Forest Park Street, Meridan Plains. It’s currently open from 8am to 2pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and 8am to midday on Sundays.
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