A local baker who previously operated a downtown Jefferson City location plans to open a new bakery in the Missouri State Capitol this February.
Joan Fairfax closed Chez Monet at 126 E. High St. in 2013, where Capitol City Cinema is now. Since then, Fairfax has operated the bakery out of her home at 515 Mulberry St.
For years, her customers clamored for her to re-open the storefront shop, she said, and she's excited about the new opportunity.
Fairfax closed the High Street location in 2013 to focus more on decorating cakes and bakery catering than on day-to-day operation of the restaurant. Since then, her customers have asked her to open a new location with breakfast and lunch like her old restaurant used to serve.
"People are so glad we're going to be back," Fairfax said. "I know it's a great opportunity."
Founded by Fairfax in 1991, Chez Monet serves cookies, cakes and other bakery items. She said the Capitol location will serve the same sandwiches, salads and cookies previously offered at the High Street location.
Chez Monet Patisserie will be located in the Capitol's west basement, under the state House of Representatives chamber and near the House hearing rooms in the location of the former Capitol Grill restaurant. The Capitol Grill closed this past fall, and the Missouri Office of Administration began taking bids for the site.
When nobody submitted a bid, Fairfax jumped at the chance. She acknowledged the location presents challenges.
"It's very busy for a few months during session, then it's very slow," Fairfax said.
Fairfax said she will be closer to her customers than she was in her High Street location and thinks her customer base will support the business regardless of the location.
Hours for the new spot will be 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday through Friday.
With the new location, Chez Monet will become a family affair. Fairfax's daughter-in-law, Melinda, will join her in the venture. Her son, Jason, who works in pest control but helped with the bakery his whole life, also will help his wife and mother in the venture.