When you walk into downtown Reading’s hidden gem across the street from The Abraham Lincoln, you are transported into a vintage, Parisian-inspired bakery. Ma Pâtisserie Cafe & Bakery exudes a charming and inviting ambiance, boasting the building’s original wall architecture accented with sage green, antique gold and pastel pink. Floral arrangements and chandeliers enhance its sophisticated yet welcoming style, making it an ideal spot for both casual stops and special occasions.
For owner Yohanna Taveras, opening Ma Pâtisserie was more than a business venture; it was the realization of a lifelong passion for baking. “I’ve loved baking all my life,” she shares. “But I really got into it after having my kids. I wanted to create their birthday cakes from scratch, and that’s what sparked everything.” Her passion led her to study pastry arts through an online French patisserie school (inspiring the business namesake) where she learned the delicate art of macarons, eclairs and intricate cake design. “It’s like chemistry,” she says. “They would explain what each ingredient would do, so there’s a lot of ways you can create your own recipe.” She also studied in the Dominican Republic and Europe and learned from Russian and Brazilian bakers.
Taveras added many of the recipes she created in her classes to the menu, blending French and Dominican delicacies. It became a true family affair. Her husband, Julian, initially stepped in to help as a supportive partner but quickly found himself enrolling in and graduating from barista school. “It happened so quickly,” he shares. “I retired from my job with the county,which makes it easier for me to be here. It’s a different pace, but the more I practice, the better I make matcha and drinks.” Their cousin and their children are also part of the experience. Their eldest daughter, Jaylene, curated the cafe menu while her son Julian’s flourless peanut butter protein cookies have become a bakery offering. Even their youngest, Camila, has her signature chunky brownies with chocolate chips featured on the menu.
The journey to opening Ma Pâtisserie was not without its challenges. Originally baking from home, Taveras saw a surge in demand during the pandemic when people sought small, elegant cakes for intimate celebrations. The overwhelming response made it clear she needed a dedicated space. “The reason why we chose Reading was because it’s an area that we feel has a lot of possibilities, and this [building] was like a hidden gem,” says Julian. A call to the real estate agent set things in motion, and soon, the Taveras family was transforming the space into the whimsical café it is today.
Since opening in late 2024, Ma Pâtisserie has become a beloved addition to Reading’s growing small business scene. Customers gravitate toward the macarons, especially the signature strawberry, guava and dulce de leche flavors, as well as the seasonal drink offerings like strawberry and mango matcha lattes that pair perfectly with the delicate pastries.
“People have shared that they are happy Reading has something like this. It’s beautiful and unique,” says Yohanna. “That’s what I want in my business, just something that transports you to peace. I want people to come and have a nice tea or coffee and something sweet to have quiet time for themselves or for them to have a tea party with their family or order a beautiful cake for their birthday.”
The Taverases hope to expand to additional locations in the future, but right now, their focus is on remodeling the kitchen, adding the latest and greatest machines and serving the community and visitors in downtown Reading.
113 N. 5th St., Reading 610.763.4627
Fun Facts
Mom-preneur.
In addition to the menu, Yohanna’s children helped her and Julian every step of the way before the grand opening and continue to work at the café, especially as she balances working another job.
Mother’s Day.
Bring your mom to Ma Pâtisserie this month and be sure to try the featured cafe and bakery menu items as well as take in the themed decor for springtime.
