Say au revoir to the French bakery in Winnetka’s train station on Saturday, July 30

Winnetka’s Cafe Fleurette has always served its neighbors on the go, and now it is owner Rachel Beaudry’s turn.

With Beaudry moving out of state, the French bakery’s final day after 10 years will be on Saturday, July 30, when customers can bid adieu from 7-11 a.m. at the shop inside the Winnetka Metra Station, 754 Elm St.

“I can’t believe it. Every time I say it, I don’t believe it,” Beaudry said of the cafe’s closing, later adding, “The cafe is my life. I love it as one of my children. It was a hard decision, but the right decision to make.”

A former pastry-school student, Beaudry was looking for a new gig once as her children got older. She opened Cafe Fleurette in 2012.

The small shop inside the train station served fresh French breads, coffees and croissants.

“I wanted to do something that I loved, and not just have a job,” she said. “I had gone to pastry school, so it was a natural segue. I live in the community and really thought we needed a bakery.”

Beaudry put plenty of love into her work. Cafe Fleurette was known for its brioche bunnies around Easter and its charity coat drive in the winter.

Located across from Village Hall, Cafe Fleurette found loyal customers in Village of Winnetka staff and officials. The Village took to social media to say goodbye to Beaudry.

“The Village of Winnetka thanks you for being a wonderful addition to our business community,” says an Instagram post. “We have enjoyed a decade of scrumptious breads, tasty coffee, and the most decadent chocolate croissants this side of the Atlantic. Merci beaucoup, Café Fleurette!”

On the cafe’s final day, Beaudry said she doesn’t necessarily want you to order anything, but she would like you to stop by and say goodbye.

“I couldn’t have it done it without them and it’s amazing how my customers became my friends and they enriched my life as much as they say I enriched theirs,” she said. “I’m going to miss them so much. Some of closest friends started with customers.”

The Record is a nonprofit, nonpartisan community newsroom that relies on reader support to fuel its independent local journalism.

Subscribe to The Record to fund responsible news coverage for your community.

Already a subscriber? You can make a tax-deductible donation at any time.