France Pavilion to Expand Bakery in Epcot

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

From the Touring Plans blog...

France Pavilion to Expand Bakery in Epcot

by R. A. Pedersen

Disney has filed paperwork today that confirms a complete overhaul, relocation, and expansion of the bakery in the France Pavilion at Epcot. The Boulangerie Patisserie, as it is formally named, will close sometime in the near future to begin the complete reworking. This expansion was first reported as a rumor on the Epcyclopedia blog a few days ago after Cast Members had been internally briefed on the project, but this paperwork makes the project formal/confirmed and thus TouringPlans.com Blog-worthy news.

The expansion will have two floors (whether they will both be guest spaces remains to be seen) and will include a 3,000 square foot kitchen. It will also accommodate Cast Member restrooms and break rooms in its backstage areas. An actual location is yet to be announced, but it’s possible this will be a new building as the permit mentions “relocating the QSR” (QSR = Quick Service Restaurant), and the contractor is Whiting Turner – a major builder involved typically only in larger projects at Disney.

We’ll post more details as they become available.

http://blog.touringp...akery-in-epcot/

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

From MousePlanet's weekly construction notes...

Epcot Boulangerie Patisserie – expansion: two floors, over 3000 sq foot kitchen, cast restrooms, break room, relocating QSR.

http://www.mouseplanet.com/9893/Walt_Disney_World_Resort_Update

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

From the Disney Food blog...

Epcot’s Expanded French Bakery Menu Details and Slated Opening Date

Mar 19th, 2012 by AJ.

We published a bit of rumor/news a few weeks back when Disney World filed a notice of commencement with Orange County to expand Epcot’s French Bakery area in the World Showcase. The Boulangerie Patisserie was slated to receive a second story as well as a 3000 square foot kitchen, and a full-blown counter-service restaurant.

Epcot's Boulangerie Patisserie Will Be Expanding This Year

Recently, I was made aware of an article interviewing Jerome Bocuse, son of Chef Paul Bocuse, who heads up the company running the restaurant operations in the French pavilion. In the article, Bocuse opens a discussion about the expansion by saying, “Now we’re redoing and doing renovations at several locations.” While Disney has not officially announced anything about this project, here’s a bit of info mentioned in the article. 


Bocuse responded to a question about specific changes with the following details:

We’re going to

build a brand new bakery in a new building

. It’s going to be very close to the bakeries that you see in France today. More like a

modern bakery with sandwiches

. We will cook all of our bread all day long and make sandwiches with that fresh bread.


The article’s author then states that “[it’s slated to open around March 2013.]“


Epcot's French Bakery

Finally, in response to a question about turning the bakery into a chain-like location like the ones his father, Chef Paul Bocuse, runs in France (see more info about Chef Bocuse’s brasseries here), Bocuse answered, “At this point, no. But you never know what will come up. First we have to make this bakery well rounded, one step at a time.
”

We’re excited to hear what’s coming next, but from the looks of it you’ll want to grab up your favorites from this bakery soon before the inevitable refurbishment closures and updated menu!

Read the rest of the interview here.

http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2012/03/19/news-epcots-expanded-french-bakery-menu-details-and-opening-date/

[mouseketab.....Carol 1,261]

Cool! I can't wait to try the new counter service place!

[campingpixi 11]

woo hoo another counter service!!

[pezheadval 32]

Awesome! We love it there but the lines can get pretty crazy at times. It will be nice to have more room and seating.

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

From WDW Magic. Follow the link for photo...

Jul 04, 2012

A crane has been onsite at Epcot's France Pavilion working on some backstage infrastructure for the expansion of the Boulangerie Pâtisserie bakery. Reports from that area indicate that a two story pre-fabricated building has been positioned to provide additional kitchen space and what will become seating for the expanded bakery.

The project has not been officially announced yet, and details remain vague as to exactly what will be built and when it will be opened.

http://www.wdwmagic.com/Dining/Boulangerie-Patisserie/News/04Jul2012-PHOTO---Crane-onsite-at-France-Pavilion-for-Boulangerie-P%C3%A2tisserie-expansion.htm

[DaveInTN 3,247]

Those sandwiches make with fresh baked french bread sound awesome!

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

From WDW Magic...

Expanded Boulangerie Patisserie to open late December

Jul 06, 2012

The expanded bakery in the France Pavilion is expected to open in late December 2012 according to sources familiar with the situation. The new bakery will be named Boulangerie Pâtisserie Des Halles, and is expected to feature an expanded menu, along with more seating.

Construction work is already in progress backstage in preparation for the expansion. Disney has not yet made any official announcements about the project.

http://www.wdwmagic.com/Dining/Boulangerie-Patisserie/News/06Jul2012-Expanded-Boulangerie-Patisserie-to-open-late-December.htm

[AC in A2......Aaron 693]

I am for expansion of all things bakery related.

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

Maybe now they can make those delicious elephant ears actual size!