TheWorldJournal.com

French Bakery Owners Survive Anti-French Backlash
By Meghan Carpenter, TheWorldJournal.com

Operation Iraqi Freedom may be driving oil prices down, making stock market investors nervous and canceling school trips, but in Olney, Md., the baking goes on.

Karen Mauprivez, who owns the French Confection Bakery with her husband Xavier, said their business is staying the same, despite the start of the war in Iraq.

"If your child is having a birthday, whether there's a war or not, there are traditional things that keep everybody calm," she said. "It's a comfort for people, particularly in a time of stress. It helps normalize the day."

Additionally, public opinion about the French is not affecting their business, said Mauprivez, who describes herself as American.

"We're unique because my husband is French and we have French in the title of the business," she said. "There has been some print material bad-mouthing the French, but the community and our customers have been very supportive."

Mauprivez said customers are talking about red, white and blue cakes, but they have not had any requests.

"My husband and I talked about being prepared to make red, white and blue cakes or put a flag on a cake," she said. "Although they come in and talk about it, it's not something they are displaying. But we would certainly do it if asked."

© April 11, 2003