Breadmakers Peter and Ingrid Czichomski want to give up their life and business in Lafayette to volunteer in Haiti, but they'll need a little dough to do it.
Peter and Ingrid Czichomski want to give up their life and business in Lafayette to volunteer in earthquake-ravaged Haiti, but they'll need a little dough to do it - about $160,000 to be exact.
The breadmakers, owners of Euro Breads at 104 Republic Ave. off Kaliste Saloom Road, hope to retire in Haiti, where they plan to build a vocational school to help Haitians become self-sufficient. But first they have to pay off their business loan and find a new owner for the shop.
The Czichomskis told their inspiring story to The Advocate for a December feature:
The shop was a dream that German-born Peter Czichomski - a seaman - realized in 2005 with the opening of Euro Breads.
But Peter, 70, and Ingrid, who will soon turn 60, are ready to give it all up, sell their business, pack their bags and move to the mountains of Haiti.
"We have no children. We'd like to have some legacy and leave something that will help our Haitian people," Ingrid Lemke Czichomski said.
The couple created a nonprofit organization - the Happy Haiti Foundation - and Ingrid Czichomski donated 10 acres of inheritance from her father to the effort.
"There are no roads. No drinking water. No housing. No dependable utilities. We need to find a solution to that," Ingrid Czichomski said.
Read the story here.
The couple describe the business as an old-world bread/pastry, coffee, tea and sandwich shop. And here's the sales pitch: "Price includes Ingenious Par-bake Operation Concept, great Brand Name & Logo, Excellent Reputation, FF&E , precious trade secrets, stock, and up to 4 weeks of Free Training. Has an exceptionally low 3 year lease, and outstanding website. Located smack in center of loyal customer base, with huge potential. (Have trained 18 year old in one week! Owner/s will remain with you up to 4 weeks; then within cell phone reach for another month.)"
Interested? Contact the Czichomskis at 337-456-8338 or visit www.euro-breads.com.