Interview with Mr. Kataoka, the owner of Patisserie Le Vert
I interviewed Mr. Yoshiharu Kataoka, the owner of Patisserie Le Vert.
What is the background of the establishment of Le Vert?
Kataoka
Actually, I originally liked bread, so I was thinking of going to a culinary vocational school to learn about bread.
However, I had more opportunities to learn about Western confections than bread, and I acquired the skills to make Western confections and became good at it.
After graduating, I trained for five years at a cake shop in Kurashiki City, and in 1993, when I was 23 years old, I opened a shop at my home in Hiroe, Kurashiki City.
In 2021, it will be the 28th year since I opened my business.
Why are you focusing on participating in events?
Kataoka
Originally, I have a craftsman-like and stubborn personality.
I was not good at customer service.
After about 10 years of continuing to operate the shop, I was invited to a sweets sales event held in Mizushima.
Seeing other vendors at the event, I noticed the differences in how to sell and present products, and my world expanded.
I felt that participating in events was also an opportunity to learn, so since then, I have been actively participating in events.
Also, since the response from customers was good, before the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, I stopped selling at the shop and focused on participating in events.
What is the reason for reopening the shop?
Kataoka
Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, all events were canceled.
While I was struggling to sell products at events, I participated in a small market event called Tekuteku TAKE OUT Marche organized by Atelier Sora Design.
At first, I was just participating in the Tekuteku TAKE OUT Marche, but the organizer encouraged me to utilize the shop in Hiroe, Kurashiki City, which I was not using, and I reopened.
What was the customer response when you reopened?
Kataoka
I temporarily opened the shop in October 2020.
I was surprised by the many customers who came, to the point where I couldn't handle it.
I remember being so busy making products all day that I had no time to feel happy or excited.
When I opened the shop again in December 2020, even more customers came.
Why are you particular about product development?
Kataoka
I get bored easily, so I am always seeking new things.
Above all, I enjoy the process of creating new things.
Also, I can see that customers come looking for products that are collaborations with local businesses.
I want to create a shop that has changes every time you visit, so that customers can enjoy themselves.
What kind of shop do you want to create in the future?
Kataoka
I want to create a shop full of collaborative products with local businesses and products focused on local production for local consumption.
My ideal is a Western confectionery shop where the products on display change every time you visit, allowing customers to enjoy it over and over again.
I want it to be a Western confectionery shop that makes customers feel excited on the way to the shop, thinking, "I wonder what sweets will be available today?"
Trying the Western confections of Patisserie Le Vert
I was surprised when I heard about the eggplant cheese tart.
I couldn't imagine what it would taste like, and I remember fearfully bringing it to my mouth.
When I put it in my mouth and bit into it, it had a texture like the apples in an apple pie.
I felt the unexpected side of eggplant and discovered a new way to enjoy Western confections.
Patisserie Le Vert offers sweets made with ingredients we wouldn't think of.
Patisserie Le Vert, which continues to change, was a Western confectionery shop that could entertain customers time and time again.
Data on Patisserie Le Vert
| Name | Patisserie Le Vert |
|---|---|
| Address | 2-12-50 Hiroe, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 090-4102-8931 |
| Parking | Available 6 cars |
| Business Hours | For the shop's business days and event participation days, please refer to Patisserie Le Vert's Instagram |
| Regular Holidays | Irregular holidays |
| Payment Methods |
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| Restroom | No restroom |
| Website | Le Vert (Instagram) |
