A New Chapter for a Pacific Grove Favorite: Welcome to Maison Iris

For 30 years, Pavel's Backerei was a fixture of downtown Pacific Grove. Its freshly baked breads and pastries drew loyal customers from across the Monterey Peninsula, often with a line stretching down Forest Avenue. When longtime owners Paul and Johanna Wainscoat retired earlier this year, it marked the end of an era for one of the community's favorite bakeries. Fortunately, the ovens at 219 Forest Avenue weren't destined to stay quiet for long. This summer, Maison Iris opened its doors in the familiar space, introducing a new French-inspired bakery while embracing the history that made the address so special.

Behind Maison Iris are husband-and-wife owners Reda and Iris Hamade, whose journey to Pacific Grove wasn't exactly planned. The couple had been exploring opportunities to open a bakery elsewhere, considering locations on the East Coast and in larger California cities. When they learned of the opportunity to take over Pavel's, they traveled to Pacific Grove to meet the former owners and see the space for themselves. What they found was a welcoming coastal community and a bakery with a remarkable local following. The visit convinced them that Pacific Grove was where they wanted to begin their next chapter.

Reda brings years of experience as a pastry chef and chocolatier, with a particular appreciation for the techniques and ingredients that define traditional European baking. At Maison Iris, that experience comes through in everything from freshly baked baguettes and buttery croissants to an impressive assortment of desserts. The pastry case features treats such as crème brûlée, tiramisu, and apple tarts finished with cinnamon-hazelnut crumble, alongside more contemporary creations like cube-shaped croissants. For those looking for something savory, the bakery also offers baguette sandwiches inspired by French traditions.

One of the things we particularly appreciate about Maison Iris is the thoughtfulness behind its approach. Rather than simply replacing what came before, the Hamades have recognized how much Pavel's meant to the community. The bakery is establishing its own identity while keeping elements of the previous establishment's legacy alive, including the beloved farmers bread that generations of customers came to know. It's a balance that feels especially fitting for Pacific Grove, where longtime neighborhood businesses are an important part of the town's character.

The dedication required to launch the bakery has been considerable. With a small team and another baker expected to join from France, Reda has been handling much of the production himself, beginning his mornings well before sunrise. The emphasis is on fresh ingredients, traditional techniques, and pastries made from scratch rather than relying on frozen products. It's a labor-intensive approach, but one that has already earned Maison Iris an enthusiastic reception from early visitors.

Since its soft opening in August, Maison Iris has quickly attracted attention from locals eager to welcome a bakery back to Forest Avenue. The shop has initially operated on a limited schedule, and popular breads and pastries have been known to sell out before closing. For anyone planning a visit, arriving early and checking the bakery's latest hours is a good idea.

We always enjoy seeing new locally owned businesses find their place on the Monterey Peninsula, particularly when they bring fresh energy to a location with so much history. Maison Iris is a wonderful example of how a familiar neighborhood storefront can evolve without losing its connection to the community. We're excited to see what Reda and Iris continue to bring to Pacific Grove, and we're happy to have another reason to stop by Forest Avenue on a weekend morning.

Maison Iris
219 Forest Avenue, Pacific Grove, CA 93950
Follow the bakery on Instagram for current hours, menu updates, and new creations.