Young and energetic, Jennifer and Thomas opened their bakery and pastry shop, Copaline, in early April 2016 in Trélissac (24).
Meet Jennifer and Thomas Valstar, who live in Trélissac (24)
Could you introduce yourself?
My name is Jennifer Valstar, and I am married to Thomas Valstar, who is the son of the former owners of the bakery we took over. I hold a DUT in Biological Engineering and a bachelor’s degree in Business and Food Safety. Thomas has a CAP and a BEP in baking.
We took over the bakery on April 1, 2016; it is now a Copaline artisan bakery and pastry shop, located in Trélissac, Dordogne: BOULANGERIE 4’PAINS – 113 BOULEVARD KENNEDY – 24750 TRELISSAC – Tel.: 05 53 03 77 72
Where are you at today?
We are gradually modernizing the bakery to bring it up to date. We have renovated the facade and the patio, and we have furnished the space with new indoor and outdoor furniture.
Why did you choose to work with GMP on your project?
We’ve known Grands Moulins de Paris for a long time because Thomas’s parents (the former managers) were already working with them.
We chose to partner with GMP for our first setup because they’ve always been there for us. They advised us, supported us, and provided financial assistance to help bring our project to fruition.
We also love using their flours to make our products; we’ve always been satisfied with the raw materials.
What role did GMP play in your project?
Our Transactions and Financing Advisor put together the financing plan and financial projections to present to the bank. He prepared the banking application for us and helped us present it during our meetings with the bankers.
Are you satisfied with the support you received?
Yes, absolutely. Without our GMP transactions and financing advisor, we wouldn’t have been able to see our project through to completion. Everyone has their own area of expertise!
You need to surround yourself with the right people to carry out this kind of project; GMP’s support was reassuring and essential.
What if we had to do it all over again?
We’d do the same thing all over again!
Would you recommend GMP as a flour miller to support bakeries looking to set up shop?
Yes, exactly!
Are you a happy baker today?
Yes, there’s certainly no time to get bored! Every day, we’re learning how to run our bakery effectively, with the support of Grands Moulins de Paris. The business is doing well, and sales are on the rise.
A message for anyone looking to move in for the first time?
Find and surround yourself with the right people to get your project off the ground! It’s not easy, and the administrative side of things is also very time-consuming—it shouldn’t be overlooked.
