By Benjamin Rothstein

DOVER — After serving the city for seven years, La Baguette French Bakery celebrated its anniversary with a ribbon cutting Saturday.

The establishment’s co-owner, France native Ludovic Bezy, said its opening on South Governors Avenue in 2017 was the perfect opportunity.

“We were looking for a business for a long time, more than seven years ago, and then, the previous owner asked us if we wanted to buy a bakery. And then, we said yes.”

At that time, Mr. Bezy had been a chef since 1987, with his wife, Anita Wheeler-Bezy, working in the medical field for many years.

However, banks were not quick to fund the location, so the co-owners did the only thing they could to prove the business’s merit.

“We started doing something called the ‘Chef’s Table,’ which was a four-course mystery menu,” said Ms. Wheeler-Bezy. “And the bank would always tell us no, but when I gave the testimonials and the sales reports to the bank, they finally said yes.”

Now, the couple emphasizes resilience, as their journey has been tumultuous.

“Our first couple of years, obviously, that’s always hard. You grow, you have to get more staff. You know, there’s everyday challenges of running a small business,” Mr. Bezy said. “But, like in 2020, when the pandemic came along, we had to reinvent the wheel. So, we did a side pickup window. We just did what we could with online ordering and things like that to stay open.”

The Bezys said they owe their continued success to their staff, as well as their products. The couple also looked back on the joy they receive by creating relationships with their clientele, with Mr. Bezy mentioning families who brought in their babies seven years ago, children who are now in elementary school.

Speaking of growth, La Baguette recently opened a second site in Lewes, and again, it’s thanks to a perfect opportunity — or rather, a perfect piece of equipment.

“(It has) a real Forni oven,” Ms. Wheeler-Bezy said.

Her husband added, “I mean, it’s a great oven. It is 10 feet deep, 8 feet wide. And four levels. And as a chef, it’s the tool. It’s exciting, and it’s fun.”

His wife said the beach location allowed the bakery to expand its wholesale offerings, as well.

La Baguette offers all kinds of French baked goods, both sweet and savory. For information, visit labaguettede.com.