" To make the unique taste of authentic French bread known and appreciated among the general public "
Since 1956, three generations of the Étienne family have devoted themselves to the art of traditional French bread-making.
It was in France that Roland Étienne learned the baker's craft under the apprenticeship of his father-in-law, Albert Dufour. Noticing Quebec consumers' growing appetite for French baguette, Roland and Odette Étienne founded Au Pain Doré on May 1st, 1956.
Their first artisan bakery, located on Marquette Street, supplied fashionable restaurants, leading hotels and select pastry shops. For years, Madame Étienne took orders in the front while Monsieur baked in the back with the help of a few employees who also took care of bread deliveries.
Au Pain Doré was the third French bakery to open its doors in Montreal. With high-quality products and excellent service, Au Pain Doré greatly contributed to introducing and popularizing hand-crafted French bread in Quebec.Roland and Odette Étienne's son, Jean-Marc Étienne, who is now president of the company, learned the craft from his parents and perfected his skills under the apprenticeship of renowned master bakers in France.
He formed a team of experienced professionals in order to produce the high-quality bread that made Au Pain Doré's reputation, while continuing to adapt to the evolving tastes of its clientele. Harnessing the latest technology, the company successfully developed machinery adapted to traditional methods of bread-making.
On January 27th, 1983, Jean-Marc Étienne, Diane Nantais-Étienne, Roland and Odette Étienne began a new chapter in the history of their business. While continuing to supply restaurants, hotels and pastry shops, they opened their first retail outlet on Marquette Street in Montreal.
In 1986, company founder Roland Étienne passed away, bequeathing unique and precious knowledge of the baker's art. Au Pain Doré now operates over ten outlets on Montreal Island as well as one in Laval, Quebec.
Today, Au Pain Doré is an established, well-respected company with a young and dynamic team that continues to uphold the tradition of superior quality and service. Their biggest accomplishment is to witness people enthusiastically bite into their delicious bread. The satisfied smiles of customers are their greatest reward.