RONKONKOMA, NY — Due to the nature of creating and sharing food — the exchange of cultures, love and passion — expansion is a driver for almost every baker or chef. The French Workshop, a French-inspired artisan bakery located in New York City, is compelled to branch out beyond its original box and bring its classic techniques, elegant pastries and convivial setting to customers far and wide.
To do this, the bakery opened its first franchise location in partnership with Upstream Hospitality Group, marking a substantial step in its next phase of growth to serve patrons across the Ronkonkoma neighborhood of Long Island, NY.
“This opening is an important moment for us,” said Jerry Pantelatos, co-founder of The French Workshop. “As a family-owned and founded brand, we’re looking for franchise partners who feel like a natural extension of our family.”
Quality and authenticity guide every decision behind the bakery. From ingredient sourcing to product development to in-store operations, the bakers behind The French Workshop are dedicated to providing an immersive experience for guests. All six locations are built around an open, workshop-style concept where customers can watch pastry chefs at work and witness the creation of classic treats and novel flavor combinations.
“At The French Workshop, product development is rooted in deep respect for French patisserie tradition paired with a thoughtful understanding of what resonates in everyday American life,” said CEO Dion Vangelatos. “We deliberately avoid fleeting trends, focusing instead on creations we believe will become timeless favorites.”
With products like the Strawberry Almond Tart — featuring buttery almond cream, raspberry jam, pastry cream, fresh strawberries and a hint of basil for an herby finish — the bakery welcomes both sophisticated and novice palates.
“Our signature items perfectly capture the soul of The French Workshop: French technique executed with precision, premium ingredients and a touch of creative warmth that feels both elevated and approachable,” Vangelatos said. “Standouts include The Crunchy, with layers of vanilla sponge, chocolate mousse, dark chocolate and caramelized hazelnuts, as well as our handcrafted macarons, which showcase delicate shells and vibrant, balanced fillings.”
While this is the first franchise location, Ronkonkoma will follow the same core menu as the other shops to maintain consistency and provide a uniform experience for customers, local and otherwise.
With a 22-seat space front-of-house and a 44-seat patio designed to balance elegance and comfort, the new franchised location offers a genial atmosphere, welcoming customers to take a step into the action and witness classic French baking techniques.
“Visitors can expect an elevated yet warmly inviting experience from the moment they step inside,” Vangelatos said. “Our spaces are intentionally design-forward, filled with abundant, beautiful displays and the inviting aroma of fresh-baked goods. Craftsmanship is visible and alive: Customers will see pastry cream being piped, crème brûlées being torched and our cakes being glazed.”
While the brand has seen steady growth across its company-owned locations, its approach to franchising emphasizes consistency across every touchpoint, from product to space to service.
“This Ronkonkoma opening marks a meaningful milestone in our journey,” Vangelatos said. “It’s not just about adding another location — it’s about introducing our brand to a new community while staying true to the standards that earned our guests’ trust. That trust, built through consistent quality and heartfelt hospitality, is what allows us to grow responsibly.”
