Julien Tessier’s dream was to start an American bakery featuring scratch-made cinnamon rolls, muffins, donuts, cookies, biscuits and croissants. Tessier, a French-born and trained pastry chef, worked at high-end London restaurants and was employed as a private chef in New York City. In December 2025, he was named Pastry Chef of the Year by the Connecticut Restaurant association during its CRAZIES awards ceremony.
He travelled to Granby during the pandemic and realized its potential. By locating in Granby, he could incorporate fresh ingredients locally sourced from Holcomb Farm in West Granby and his own bountiful garden. When Carolyn Mainardi, owner of Valkyrie Equestrian Center on Barn Doors Hill Road in Granby, offered space for the business, he jumped at the opportunity. Tessier and Chris Peregrin, his husband and a trainer at Valkyrie, started a small gourmet-style, scratch farm store and bakery in a converted garage. The original idea for the farm store was to provide refreshments and snacks for the center’s riders and families. As word spread of the wonderful baked goods available, neighbors and the Granby community visited the farm shop to purchase decadent morning pastries and savory lunch items. A loyal customer base was established.
To accommodate the increasing influx of customers, the idea of expanding to another location began percolating. The new location, called Julien’s Bakery, opened in March 2026 on Bank Street in the heart of Granby center. The new location in Geissler’s Plaza is open seven days a week with an expanded food menu, indoor seating and a larger kitchen space for its 30 employees. The original farm shop location is open Thursday through Sunday.
When asked “Why did you choose Granby for the new location?” Tessier and Peregrin responded, “it was our way of thanking the Granby community. The community supported us as we began the business and continued to support us through snow storms and cold weather and we are so appreciative. We have grown to love Granby and wanted to create a space where Granby residents would feel welcome and comfortable.”
Our Philosophy: We believe our offering is only as good as the love we put into it.
The new location is open and airy. Historic pictures of the farm hang on the wall. Large globe-shaped lights hang from the ceiling, combining with the natural light through the storefront windows, giving the space a bright, welcoming atmosphere. When you walk in, you are greeted by an amazing display of pastries and sandwiches.
Julien’s Bakery has become a gathering place with a warm, welcoming environment that encourages customers to sit down, relax and enjoy a beverage with a pastry or a meal.