DeepSummary
In this episode, Guy Raz interviews Dominique Ansel, the renowned pastry chef behind the creation of the Cronut - a viral hybrid pastry that blended a croissant and a donut. Ansel shares his humble beginnings working in a kitchen in France from the age of 15 and his journey to eventually becoming the pastry chef at the prestigious Daniel restaurant in New York City.
In 2013, Ansel stumbled upon the idea of the Cronut while brainstorming a special dessert for Mother's Day at his newly opened bakery in New York. What was intended as a one-time offering turned into a global phenomenon with people lining up for hours and scalpers reselling the pastries for exorbitant prices. Ansel describes the challenges of managing the frenzy while maintaining his commitment to quality and craft.
Despite offers to mass-produce and expand the Cronut, Ansel resisted the temptation to turn his bakery into a factory, opting instead for a measured growth with a focus on exceptional products. He shares insights into the business decisions that allowed him to build a sustainable and profitable brand, maintaining a lean operation with a handful of bakeries and a mail-order business.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- The Cronut's viral success was a serendipitous phenomenon that Ansel never intentionally set out to create.
- Ansel's commitment to quality and craft prevented him from over-expanding or compromising on his principles, even when faced with lucrative opportunities.
- Building a sustainable and profitable business required Ansel to make tough decisions, such as controlling costs and protecting his brand.
- Ansel's ability to learn from observation and his leadership style contributed to his success in managing teams and maintaining quality standards.
- Hard work, determination, and a positive attitude were crucial factors in Ansel's journey from humble beginnings to becoming a renowned pastry chef.
- Striking a balance between creativity and business acumen was essential for Ansel to build a successful brand without sacrificing his passion for innovation.
- Ansel's story highlights the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and staying true to one's values in the face of challenges and opportunities.
- While luck played a role in Ansel's success, he attributes much of it to his hard work, positive attitude, and ability to attract and retain good people around him.
Top Episodes Quotes
- βMy entire life, observing was something that that was, I was very good at. So growing up, I always observed my siblings, you know, all the things they were doing, all the bad things, all the good things I was picking, choose what I want to do, and I think I was. I was the same in the kitchen.β by Dominique Ansel
- βI always told myself very early on, I don't want my creation to kill my creativity. And I refuse to turn into a corner shop and to do the only thing.β by Dominique Ansel
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Episode Information
How I Built This with Guy Raz
Guy Raz | Wondery
6/17/24
Dominique Anselβs invention of the Cronut β an inspired liaison between croissant and donut β was supposed to be a one-time indulgence for Motherβs Day. But once word spread about the perfect hybrid pastry, his Manhattan bakery was overwhelmed by endless lines and Cronut scalpers. Dominique eventually learned to manage the hype and grow his business while maintaining his craft. Named the Worldβs Best Pastry Chef in 2017, he has found an entrepreneurial sweet spot in three brick-and-mortar locations and a mail-order business, which will overnight a Cronut to your door, sans the line, and scalpers be damned.Β Β
This episode was produced by Carla Esteves with music by Ramtin Arablouei.
It was edited by Neva Grant with research help from Katherine Sypher. Our audio engineer was Robert Rodriguez.
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