French Bakery and Cafe Coming to First Street

Hoboken residents wary of long lines leading into a certain famous bakery downtown will soon have a new option. The French themed Choc-o-Pain Bakery & Cafe is set to open soon at the former Premier Soccer Shop at 157 First Street near Bloomfield.

For owner Clemence Danko, opening Choc-o-Pain is the culmination of a lifelong dream that has seen many detours.

Danko was born in Paris, and though she always had an interest in cooking, began her first career in the pharmaceutical industry.

But nearly three years ago, when her husband saw his job transferred to the United States, Danko decided to switch careers. She attended the Institute of Culinary Education and the French Culinary Institute in New York to learn what she needed to about opening a bakery and a business.

The result is Choc-o-Pain, which is a pun on the French pastry pain-au-chocolat. Danko wants the bakery to have a traditional French atmosphere.

“I hope people can project for themselves the feeling of being in Paris,” she said.

The bakery will serve various breads, pastries, soups, salads, coffees and teas. Customers will be able to see the bread baking through large windows looking into the kitchen. Danko said she wants customers to be able to “see the magic of the baking process.”

Choc-o-Pain, designed by the Hoboken firm Robert Jenny Design, will offer carryout and cafe seating with internet access, both on the lower level and in a lounge upstairs.

Danko, who lives in Hoboken with her husband and child, said she is looking to hire 5-10 employees as she prepares to open in mid-to-late October. In the meantime, readers interested can read her Choc-o-Pain blog.

Coming soon: a cigar shop relocates, a fashion lounge comes to Washington Street, and a new cafe opens uptown.

The Business Beat covers businesses opening, closing and relocating in the Mile Square. Have a Hoboken related business tip? Send an email to alanskontra@hotmail.com.