Boulangerie Panissimo has held a space in Knowlton’s downtown core, and in the hearts of locals, since 1995. Marie-Josée Rousseau took over the bakery from its previous owner almost ten years ago after creating a connection with the village. Originally only baking fresh bread, she expanded Boulangerie Panissimo’s offerings with quiche, pastries, pies, and niche products made by local artisans. 

Since embarking on her spontaneous adventure almost a decade ago, Rousseau has decided to close the doors to the beloved bakery after experiencing life changes and challenges in finding staff. She officially closes up shop on September 11 and hopes the community will come in for one last round of friendly conversation. 

“I met the previous owner ten years ago when I came to visit my uncle, who, at the time, was opening up Buzz Café that is just beside me, that is how I met André. He told me that the bakery was for sale and I was looking for a project related to food,” recounted Rousseau. “And I fell in love with Knowlton.”

Known for its fresh bread, Rousseau thought why not expand Boulangerie Panissimo beyond that. 

“We had homemade quiche, we had pies, we also had some pastries and gluten free tops as well that the community really enjoyed, we had carrot cake,” said Rousseau. “(…) We also had defined products from Quebec artisans in the Eastern Townships because I found it really important that we can make products such as bread, but have jam, as well as black garlic, that goes well with the bread. All the small products are from the area to try and connect with them.”

Being involved in the local community was also something important for Rousseau. 

“We were giving bread to the food bank when we had a surplus, we also gave to the Centre Action Bénévole in Cowansville, and we were also feeding some chickens because we were taking over leftover bread and in exchange I would get some eggs. So, we tried to serve the community in that way,” mentioned Rousseau. 

Part of that community connection was providing a space where customers felt comfortable to open up to staff, especially during the pandemic when people were left feeling isolated. 

“With the comments I had from customers, they felt like they have a place where they can come and not only buy bread, but talk to the person, not only me, but my staff. They can have some time to talk about their life and their family. There was an exchange, not only a business exchange for money and bread, it feels like home,” noted Rousseau.

Despite her love for Knowlton, Rousseau explained that she recently had to take a step back  and re-examine her values, leading to her decision to close Boulangerie Panissimo and put her family first. She added that challenges in finding other bakers to help operate the bakery also contributed to the decision. 

“It was really not an easy decision, I had to think about it a lot. I have a small child that is 14 months, he is still a baby in my head, even though he has started walking,” explained Rousseau. “(…) For me it was trying to find a balance between both and it was not working for me unfortunately.”

While uncertain as to what's in store for the future, Rousseau thanked the community for its support over the years. 

“It’s been a wonderful ten years and I was able to have Panissimo for ten years because people from Knowlton were coming in. So, really, thanks to all of you,” she emphasized.

Listen to the full interview below: