In Lorraine, employees are launching a fundraiser to save their pastry: “I’m counting on it”

In Bar-le-Duc (Meuse), Marie Dufresse, the owner of the “Au Palet d’or” chocolate pastry shop, is very touched. His apprentice and his salesman launched a Leetchi prize pool to help him while his business has been in danger since the Covid-19 crisis. “This gesture reflects the relationship that unites us, at work and outside,” she recognizes.

Well aware of the efforts that the 27-year-old young woman continues to make to keep the company afloat despite the difficulties, the two employees support her staunchly. Although she had just signed the purchase of the store, she was not, for administrative reasons, able to benefit from any assistance during the first confinement… and neither during the second. Since 2020, she has lived without paying herself any salary, despite long days and weeks.

A cold room to replace

“I’m lucky to have my parents who help me and fill my refrigerator,” admits the young woman who has often bordered on burnout in recent years. “My employees spoke to me about their desire to launch this fundraiser. I wasn’t very favorable to the idea, but I admit that it could help me, especially since the cold room in my workshop has given up the ghost. I will still have to pay 7,600 euros in unforeseen expenses…”

With her tandem: Lylou Aubertin, 21 years old, and Baptiste Barthélémy, 31 years old, Marie Dufresse has forged bonds that go beyond the professional framework. “Often, they stay at the store in the afternoon outside of their hours. We even spend leisure time together during our rare moments of rest,” continues the boss, originally from Thierville-sur-Meuse, not far from Verdun (Meuse).

“I’m counting on this pot,” she said, “because I don’t want to have to make a difficult decision. I do everything possible to avoid it because my employees are like my family.”