Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Chao.
Justin, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
French caramel became my life’s work while I was training as a pastry chef at Le Meurice in Paris. As part of my training, I was encouraged to develop my palate by exploring the patisseries and chocolate shops of Paris. One day, I stopped into a small neighborhood chocolate shop in Paris and tried their caramels. After my first buttery bite, I made it my mission to learn how to make French caramel. That day, I arranged an internship at one of the best caramel makers in Paris.
When I returned to Los Angeles, I perfected a new recipe using the best California ingredients while using traditional French technique. My business began small—selling online and at local theaters and craft shows. My first big break came when I was included as one of Oprah’s Favorite Things and was written up in the Los Angeles Times. I then decided to open my first retail location. Since then, I have worked with clients such as Hyatt Hotels and Four Seasons. I have also done custom work for weddings, Cannes Film Festival, and InStyle Magazine. In 2018, I look forward to working with the TED Conference to provide caramels for their 2018 Vancouver conference.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Running a business is hard. There are so many decisions to be made–from decisions about how to increase caramel production to decisions about how to design packaging that my customers will like. With expansion comes the challenge of meeting growing customer demand while maintaining dedication to an exceptional Le Bon Garcon experience.
Please tell us about Le Bon Garcon Caramels.
At Le Bon Garcon, we make French-style caramels made in California. Each bite of Le Bon Garcon caramel is born from a blend of fresh cream, pale butter and crystalline sugar, finished with a dusting of Maldon sea salt.
What sets us apart is our dedication to French tradition–meaning that we pay attention to detail and we never cut corners. By patiently stirring our caramel as it slowly cooks, rich flavors develop into a tender delight that melts in your mouth.
Many of our customers have fallen in love with our caramels and buy them as their “go-to” gift for friends and family. I personally like to indulge by having a piece of caramel with coffee as an afternoon treat.
Pricing:
- Classic Sea Salt Caramel – 2 oz bag: $5
- Classic Sea Salt Caramel – 4 oz bag: $9
- Classic Sea Salt Caramel – 4 oz box $13
Contact Info:
- Address: 5158 Hollywood Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90027 - Website: www.lebongarcon.com
- Phone: 424-272-6677
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: instagram.com/lebongarcon
- Facebook: facebook.com/lebongarcon
- Twitter: twitter.com/lebongarcon
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/le-bon-garcon-moorpark-2
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