The French Oven Bakery continues to rise
By Debbie L. Sklar
While most of San Diego is still asleep, Yves Fournier is already at work. By 3 a.m., the fifth-generation French baker is preparing the croissants, breads and pastries that have made The French Oven Bakery a beloved Scripps Ranch destination since opening in 2017.
Now, nearly nine years later, Fournier has expanded the bakery’s reach with a second location in Del Mar while continuing to serve the community that helped make his dream a reality.
The Del Mar location operates several days a week inside an office building and is open to the public. It offers many of the bakery’s popular items, including pastries, coffee, salads, sandwiches and lunch options. The location also provides another opportunity for the bakery to grow its catering services.
Fournier said the opportunity came when the office building approached him because of The French Oven Bakery’s reputation for quality.
“They wanted to use our services because of the quality of our products and our reputation,” he said.
Although the business has expanded, Fournier said the bakery’s philosophy has stayed the same.
“It’s the quality, the tradition and the consistency,” he said. “Everything is made fresh every day.”
That dedication comes from a lifetime surrounded by baking. Fournier grew up in the French Alps, living above his family’s bakery and learning the craft from his father. His family baking tradition dates back generations, with a bakery established in 1840.
“I’m a fifth-generation baker,” he said.
Fournier came to San Diego in 1992, beginning a culinary career that included positions at some of the hospitality industry’s most respected properties. His experience includes working at the Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage, the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco and the Grand Hyatt Manchester in downtown San Diego.
He later spent 15 years as the executive pastry chef instructor at the San Diego Culinary Institute, where he shared his expertise and passion for the craft with aspiring pastry professionals.
Before opening The French Oven Bakery, Fournier began hosting pop-up bakery events from his home. He created a small Facebook group with about 20 people, but word spread quickly. Friends invited friends, and soon hundreds of people were following along. The overwhelming response helped inspire him to open a full-time bakery in Scripps Ranch.
The bakery quickly developed a loyal following, with customers lining up for its authentic French pastries. The chocolate croissants and almond croissants are among the most popular items, along with quiche, sandwiches, desserts and other French specialties.
Beyond breakfast and pastries, the bakery has expanded its offerings with catering and special meals. Friday evening take-home dinners for two have become a popular option for customers looking for a restaurant-quality meal at home. Menus rotate and may include dishes such as beef bourguignon, coq au vin, paella or seafood dishes.
Fournier said he works hard to keep prices reasonable despite rising costs, while never compromising the quality of the ingredients or the finished product.
Running a bakery requires long hours and dedication, but Fournier remains passionate about the work.
At 56, he has no immediate plans for more locations. Instead, he is focused on continuing the tradition that has brought a taste of France to San Diego.
Find the French Oven Bakery in Scripps Ranch at 10299 Scripps Trail, Suite E. Visit online at thefrenchovenbakery.com.