Charlotte Patisserie is more than just any ordinary café – it is the saying “hard work pays off” brought to life. Described as “a really huge investment,” sibling duo Michael and Magdalena Lechowicz built the small French bakery and café from the ground up.

Michael Lechowicz studied at the French Culinary Institute in Manhattan and interned in France soon afterwards. Coming back to America after he completed his studies meant one of two things.

“He either had to go work for someone else or work for himself,” said co-owner and sister, Magdalena.  “That’s why we did it.”

Inspired by his culinary experience, Michael partnered with his sister to make their bakery and café, which is currently located along Manhattan Avenue – on the borderline of Williamsburg and Greenpoint in Brooklyn.

Knowing they wanted to specialize in French pastries, the two came up with the name Charlotte Patisserie, which also translates to Charlotte Bake Shop in English.

“Charlotte is a French girl’s name,” said Magdalena. “Charlotte Royale is also the name of a cake. It sounds nice.”

Previously All State Insurance Company, the Lechowiczs’ spent an extensive time planning every detail of their new business. In a year, the two owners made decisions on issues ranging from the menu to finances. Over time, they were able to transform the former insurance office into a quaint and cozy space to grab a pastry and a cup of coffee.

The café has a brick wall interior and is adorned with modern artwork. It is also furnished with wooden counters and fixtures. Workers standing behind the counter greet everybody that walks in as soon as they enter and the smell of baked goods and fresh brewing coffee fill the space. Charlotte Patisserie provides a comforting spot for customers to just sit down and enjoy a book, as many of them do. It is no wonder why so many of them, especially residents of the neighborhood, come back.

“We have a lot of regulars,” said Magdalena. “A lot of them come all the time and whoever is coming for the first time usually comes back, too”

Living in the area is also an advantage for the two owners. Not only is it convenient for them, it also gives them a chance to serve the community better. Charlotte Patisserie has a corkboard by the window with listings from local businesses, as well as information for art shows and performances. In fact, the café hosts performances by local musicians from time to time in their backyard. Such promotion and support for locals contributes to the café’s home-away-from-home character.

The taste of their products is also up to par with the kind of environment Charlotte Patisserie provides for its patrons. They serve tarts, croissants, brioches, and macaroons, among other classic French treats. Made fresh daily from original recipes, Michael starts baking as early as five in the morning to get ready for the day.

In spite of the variety of pastries Charlotte Patisserie offers, croissants are a particularly popular item in the café.

“The croissants are the best in the city,” said Magdalena.

Even with such a well-liked product, many of their other pastries are also gone by the end of each business day.

“I absolutely love the mini tarts they have,” said Natalia Rusinek, a loyal customer to the café. “They are delicious and are always topped with my favorite fruit – blueberries.”

Despite having many competitors in the surrounding area, including Awakening, a café that also offers spa services across the street and Uro Café, which is located around the corner, the Lechowiczs’ continue to trek forward with bigger plans for their small business.

“We’re planning to open new locations,” said Magdalena. “In five years, I would hope for three or more locations in the city.”

For a business that is turning only one-year-old on October 26th, Charlotte Patisserie has surpassed the expectations of Michael and Magdalena.

Barbara Kazimierczuk, who met the owners through a local Polish Folk Dance group, has witnessed the café’s transformation from just a new business to a gem on Manhattan Avenue.

“Eventually they stopped coming to dance because they began focusing their efforts completely on their café,” said Kazimierczuk.

“It’s amazing how far they have come with their café because they moved here from Poland like many others who live in and around the neighborhood,” said Kazimierczuk.

“It’s hard enough to transition as immigrants, but to begin your own business and have it flourish within the course of a year is quite an accomplishment.”

Magdalena attributes Charlotte Patisserie’s success to hard work and dedication, but also believes the French-style café stands out from its competitors for several reasons.

“We bake everything here on site and our products are delicious,” said Magdalena. “And we have a gorgeous backyard.”