Photos by Nick RamaFood & Drink
Eat Local: French baking, family traditions, and a taste of home with Chefs Providence
Chefs Providence has two locations; the first is tucked inside an office complex in North Houston at 14300 Cornerstone Village Dr, Unit 218, Houston, TX 77014, and their newest is in Old Town Spring at 417 Gentry St, Unit J, Spring, TX 77373.
The family-owned business is led by Chef Pascal, his wife Sylvie, their daughter Sasha, their son Chef Maxime, and his wife Sapphire.
THE NAME:
Chef Maxime explains, “We came up with the name Chefs Providence not only as a reminder for us, but also for others to remember that God is always caring and that He has love for us. He has accompanied us throughout our professional chef lives. We serve our guests on the same principle.”
THE VIBE:
Each location has its own charm and is a little difficult to find, but the goal is always to make guests feel like they are in France.
The Cornerstone location is part of a series of office buildings and is a smaller walk-up counter with a few patio tables. The Old Town Spring location is a charming converted old house with a front porch and a cozy seating area.
THE INSPIRATION:
The family cooks the way they were taught while growing up in France.. Chef Maxime explains, “With French cuisine, there is no shortcut with quality ingredients. We stay true to what we cook and bake, and keep it authentic. We love to focus on textures, and it seems like our guests love it too.”
The family first started at a farmer’s market in The Woodlands in 2022. Their pastries were a hit, and they quickly grew, opening their first brick-and-mortar location on FM 1960 the following year. As they learned that many of their customers lived near the west side of I-45, close to Spring, they expanded at the end of 2024 and opened the Old Town Spring location.
They are also excited to announce that another store will open in Summer 2025 in Old Town Tomball.
“It has always been a tradition in our family to cook and to bake. I will never forget, at a younger age, when my grandma used to make an apple tart for a family birthday party. We definitely make our food based on our best memories.”
Every member of the family has worked in the food industry at some point in their lives. Together, with experiences ranging from cooking and baking to retail and customer service, they fused their skills and knowledge into one business. Maxime adds, “Yet we are still learning to this day and always try to improve.”
THE GOODS:
Chefs Providence is known for its classic French baked goods and pastries. Guests will find phenomenal croissants, cakes, tarts, cookies, chocolates, palmiers, and turnovers.
Savory options include delicious Croque Monsieurs, toasts, quiches, and charcuterie. Their breads include French baguettes, rolls, brioche, sourdough loaves, boules, and pain de mie.
For coffee lovers, they offer espresso, cold brews, lattes, cappuccinos, and more.
Chef Sapphire Villanueva Lucas has also been creating new croissant desserts that guests are truly enjoying. “Her creativity and skills are so refreshing to see!”
Right now, they are featuring a special berry cream croissant dessert – a croissant filled with light cream, layered with jam, and topped with fresh berries.
THE OWNERS / CHEFS’ FAVORITE MEALS:
- Chef Pascal: Cappuccino, goat cheese feuilleté, lemon meringue tart
- Chef Maxime: Iced latte, tartiflette quiche, chocolate éclair
WHAT THE LOCALS ARE ORDERING:
- PASTRIES: Chocolate croissant (laminated butter pastry with chocolate)
- CAKES: Praline mousse cake (light chocolate mousse with a crunchy chocolate base)
- TARTS: Lemon meringue tart (tart shell filled with lemon cream and topped with meringue)
- SAVORY: Ham and cheese croissant sandwich with Mornay sauce
- COOKIES: Blueberry financier (almond cookie with brown butter, topped with blueberries)
- CHOCOLATES: Chocolate ganache bonbon (chocolate shell filled with ganache)
- BREADS: French baguette (long, thin bread fermented for days to develop flavor before baking)
- COFFEE: Latte (espresso topped with light, foamy milk)
- SPECIALTY: Apple turnover (puff pastry filled with apple sauce)
- HOLIDAY SPECIALS: Bûche de Noël (variety of yule logs available in December)
COMMUNITY:
They donate leftovers to a ministry that helps the homeless.
CATERING:
Chefs Providence caters petit fours and mignardises (delicate, bite-sized confections or pastries served at the end of a multi-course meal. The post-dessert offering comes from the French word mignard, meaning “precious” or “cute.” These treats are intended as a final gesture from the chef, designed to complement coffee and extend the pleasure of the dining experience).
WRAPPING IT ALL UP:
We asked Chef Maxime what they attribute their success to so far. He said, “Because of our Christian background, we always give glory to God and owe Him everything. We are also so thankful to our guests and friends who never stop supporting us!”
Spring, TX, has welcomed its business, and the family now considers Spring home. They are proud to share their culture and food in the Northside of Houston.
5 WORDS TO DESCRIBE CHEFS PROVIDENCE?
Authentic, French, Family, Quality, Welcoming
LOCATION & CONTACT
Address: 417 Gentry St, Unit J, Spring, TX 77373
Website: https://www.chefsprovidence.com/
Facebook: Chefs Providence on Facebook
Hours: Tues – Fri: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sat: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sun – Mon: Closed
2nd Location Address: 14300 Cornerstone Village Dr, Ste 218, Houston, TX 77014
Hours: Tues – Fri: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Coming Soon! 3rd Location Address: 309 Market St Tomball, TX 77375
Grand Opening: September 24, 2025
Hours: Wed – Fri; 9:30am-3:30pm; Sat: 9:30am-4pm
Nick Rama is a food writer, contributor to Hello Woodlands, and shares his restaurant experiences on Nick’s Local Eats at NicksLocalEats.com and on the TX BBQ, Burgers, and Brew Facebook page. Nick enjoys helping small business owners, supporting his community by fundraising for food banks, and plans tasting events with locally owned mom and pop restaurants.
