A new French pastry shop is opening in the Highlands. Here's what to know

It looks more like a construction zone than a bakery.

And Charlie Reed, covered in bits of paint and drywall, looks more like a builder than a pastry chef.

He has spent months renovating the space at 1355 Bardstown Road, formerly a UPS Store.

The work started after he drove by the “for lease” sign outside the Highlands building and got an idea: “I’m going to do a French pastry shop.”

Reed previously ran Melba’s Culinary Canvas, a downtown spot that closed after two years in September 2022, and Henry’s Place, which served European cuisine.

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After closing Melba’s, the trained chef wasn’t sure if he’d create a new concept.

“Here I am trying again,” he said.

His latest effort, called La Patisserie Francaise Louisville, is expected to open by early June.

“I’ve never done anything else my whole life,” the 61-year-old said, referring to his decades spent in kitchens. “And I think cake and pastry is the most artistic part of cooking.”

The pastry shop will offer a variety of cakes, danishes, croissants, breads, chocolates, macarons, French lollipops and gelato. A sneak peek of the menu can be found at louisvillepastryshop.com.

Upon walking in, patrons will see light and bright colors of green, pink and purple, matching a large decorative ice cream cone hanging behind the counter.

The shop will have seating for about 35 people and focus on “good service and good quality,” Reed said.

He has something else planned. In every eatery he has opened, Reed included some sort of nod to his only daughter. At La Patisserie Francaise, he says he’ll serve coffee out of mugs with the numbers, “222,” in honor of his daughter’s birthday, Feb. 22.

“The vibe is going to be pretty cool here,” he said.

The shop’s hours will likely be 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday.

Reach food reporter Amanda Hancock at ahancock@courier-journal.com