It would be simplistic to say: You lose one, you gain one.
But as north downtown reels from the loss of one bakery (Walnut Creek Baking Company), the last details are being laid for another coming to south downtown.
Le Gateau Elegant (you can call it "the Elegant Cake") is planning to move in October from to Newell Avenue — next door to the Babushka Russian Deli & Cafe.
No opening date is set, wrote owner Karen Del Bonta in an email, as Le Gateau Elegant waits for approval of plans and final inspections from the city of Walnut Creek. "They are far more strict than any other city," she said. The shop is able to rent month to month in Martinez, and the Martinez location will close when Le Gateau moves its ovens and equipment to Walnut Creek.
The Walnut Creek location will be a little smaller than in Martinez. "It will be designed with our signature pink frosting colors and French garden murals," wrote Del Bonta.
Chris Fong, co-owner with his dad Richard Fong of Pacific Bay Coffee Company on Newell Avenue, said, "We're hoping all the business coming in (for Le Gateau) will generate more business for us."
Le Gateau has been in downtown Martinez since 1995.
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