Café Du Pain Bakery, which was recently featured in our Discovering America’s Bakeries series, has been awarded the 2019 Small Business of the Year Award by the Growth and Redevelopment Committee of Lawrence Township, New Jersey.

“Any business owner can tell you about the painful, yet exhilarating, process of starting and building a new business,” says Marie Onyeani, co-founder and chief baker of Café Du Pain Bakery. “We work tirelessly to connect people and community over fresh and delicious pastries. To be selected for this award is a momentous occasion for us. It reinforces that our efforts are not in vain.”

The bakery receives this award one year after opening its doors. The 21^st annual awards program recognizes businesses, individuals, and civic groups for contributing to the economic vitality of Lawrence Township.

“A privilege, in my role as mayor, is to see dynamic businesses like Café Du Pain thrive,” says Christopher Bobbitt, Mayor of Lawrence Township, New Jersey “Business owners who understand the essential link between community vitalization and growth are essential to our neighborhoods. I am proud of the work Lawrence Township is doing in supporting and recognizing the contribution business leaders, such as Marie, are making to our community.”

The awards ceremony will take place on Wednesday, October 23. Café Du Pain Bakery will be recognized for its efforts to be a cultural hub, providing a varied list of activities that cater to a wide audience, including fundraising with and for local schools, and baking classes to children to increase their love of baking.

“We are on a mission to expand people’s love for baked goods,” says Marie Onyeani. “We tailor our services to adhere to the different needs of our community, through in-house experiences for individuals and families, or through catering services for corporations. We encourage anyone who hasn’t experienced Café du Pain to stop by.”