Justin Burke-Samson has left Bonjour, Y’all bakery. The pastry chef partnered with owner Tara Ragan to reinvent Ragan’s bakery on Main Street in Davidson late last summer. With his experience as pastry chef at beloved restaurants Kindred and Hello, Sailor, Burke-Samson’s announcement that he would be re-opening the bakery with Ragan spurred excitement in the culinary community.

The bakery’s fusion of Southern and New Orleans personalities quickly grew a loyal following. The cruffin, a sugar-coated melding of a croissant and muffin, and benne butter brioche are two of our favorite Burke-Samson creations. The bakery will remain in operation.

“I am proud of the accomplishments the bakery has made in such a short period of time being open,” Burke-Samson shared in a statement. “The entire team has been so dedicated and put passion into their work everyday. Our guests have been so supportive and I will miss seeing them everyday.”

Before re-opening as Bonjour, Y’all, the bakery was called Gateau on Main. That venture was initially a partnership between Ragan and pastry chef Cara Jorgensen, before the partnership dissolved.

Burke-Samson says he will shift focus to writing and his family, as well as continue his job managing the Davidson Farmers Market.

“I am leaving Bonjour Ya’ll in good hands,” he says. “I plan to take this time away from daily restaurant operations to finish my first cookbook and spend as much time with my son as possible.” —Kristen Wile

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