A sweet collaboration in St. Boniface

The adventure continues for Brittany-born couple Yvonnick Le Lorec and Ketty Pichaud. Their Ker Breizh (1) Breton crêperie officially moved into its new location at Chocolatier Constance Popp on November 14.

After more than a year of working to build their brand, Ker Breizh has decided to team up with Chocolatier Constance Popp, in the heart of St. Boniface.

“It was actually Constance Menzies, the owner of Chocolatier Constance Popp, who approached us,” says Yvonnick Le Lorec. “She had heard about us and our energy and saw us at work several times. She offered us the opportunity to rent part of her space.”

What goes better than Breton crêpes and chocolate? The decision was not a difficult one for Yvonnick Le Lorec and Ketty Pichaud. They met with Constance Menzies in September, and by mid-October, they decided to move into the chocolate shop.

“We’ve organized a traditional kitchen area to make our crêpes, but we also want to offer more specialties,” says Le Lorec. “Ketty is adding to the pastry menu. We sell madeleines, far breton cake, and patrons will soon be able to enjoy a piece of Breton’s famous kouign-amann butter cake. Ketty is also working with chocolate.”

The crêpe chef also plans to apply for a liquor licence so they can sell cider and other alcoholic beverages. In Brittany, in northwest France, crêpes are traditionally washed down with a good cider.

Suffice it to say that business is good for the winners of this year’s Fosse aux lions competition in April 2019. The Ker Breizh owners are steadily making a name for themselves in the community, and Yvonnick Le Lorec couldn’t be more pleased. “Winning the contest allowed us to really boost our visibility, participate in more events, and be recognized in the Francophone community and its organizations such as the Alliance française, Jardins Saint-Léon Gardens, the Belle Baguette bakery and more.”

“We used the $15,000 in prize money to buy kitchen equipment, including refrigerators and crêpe pans, and a truck, so we can get to events.”

In addition to their crêperie at Chocolatier Constance Popp, the Ker Breizh team continues to sell their wares at local markets, including the St. Norbert Farmer’s Market on Saturdays.

They also participate in a number of one-off events. “We’re going to be very busy in December,” says Le Lorec. “It’s almost time for Christmas markets, and we’ll be there. We have also been approached to prepare crêpes for a Christmas brunch event.”

“Chocolatier Constance Popp is now our home base. That means we can prepare more elaborate dishes, with quality ingredients. It’s the focal point of our business.”

(1) Ker Breizh is open Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 180 Provencher Boulevard