The community is rallying to support a longtime Bethesda bakery after the family behind Praline Bakery & Bistro shared that the business recently fell victim to bank fraud, resulting in a significant financial loss.
The bakery, which just celebrated its 20th anniversary this month, has long served as a neighborhood gathering place, providing cakes, pastries, and desserts for birthdays, weddings, and everyday moments. A GoFundMe launched by the owner’s family describes the loss as devastating, threatening the ability to keep the doors open and continue supporting employees.
According to the fundraiser, the bakery’s owner has spent two decades building the business and maintaining strong ties to the community, even through challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds raised are intended to help recover the losses, pay employees, and keep operations running during this difficult period. Supporters say the bakery represents more than a business, describing it as a place where people come together and celebrate milestones, with many customers now stepping up to return that support.
The bakery’s menu reflects its reputation for classic French-style offerings across several categories. Cakes include options like chocolate mousse, lemon almond, tiramisu, and pistachio chocolate creations, while tarts feature items such as pear bourdaloue, French apple tart, and apricot almond. The pastry selection includes brownies, apple feuilleté, cupcakes, and chocolate mousse cups, alongside cookies like chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, and lemon ginger. Additional offerings include Parisian macarons in a variety of flavors, fresh baguettes, pound cakes, and quiches.
