Paris Bakery sold, but as the new owner takes over expect nothing to change.

Paris Bakery is under new ownership, but regulars may not notice a difference.

“The bakers are all staying on,” says Vivianne Borges, who has been heading operations for the family business started by her father, master baker Jackie Jegat. “It’s the same name, the same recipes.”

Jackie’s brother, Eric Jegat, will take over the role of head baker for the new owner, Hector Capelo of Los Angeles. The management team remains in place, as well. Indeed, of the popular establishment’s 51 employees, only two left after the transition began on Feb. 16—and Borges explains that both had other jobs.

“It’s going to be the same place,” she reiterates.

That is good news for fans of the Monterey fixture—and for the many who enjoy pastries from Paris Bakery’s wholesale kitchen at area restaurants. Jackie Jegat opened the bakery in 1985 as Le Montmartre after moving to Monterey from San Francisco following years of baking in Paris. What became Paris Bakery proved so popular that Jackie brought his brother over from France and expanded, adding a Seaside kitchen.

Much of Jackie’s family was involved over the years, including his then-wife Sonja, as well as daughters Angelique, Stephanie and Vivianne.

According to Borges, Covid proved to be a reality check for her father. He realized that what the family had created through their efforts was fragile, and that the days and hours were taking a toll.

“It was a hard decision,” she adds.

Capelo has no bakery experience, though he has run commercial kitchens successfully. Borges explains that he reached out as a fan of Paris Bakery. The family is currently working alongside Capelo to help him gain familiarity with the operation, meet the vendors and get to know the bakery’s clients.

Once Borges and her father step away, she says she plans a year to enjoy her family—no business decisions involved.

“Maybe after a few months I’ll be saying, ‘I have to find something to do,’” she says with a laugh. “I’ve been going, going, going.”

Fortunately, Paris Bakery and its legacy is not gone.

Paris Bakery Cafe is located at 271 Bonifacio Place, Monterey and 1232 Broadway Ave., Seaside. 646-1620, parisbakery.us.