French Press to Change Hands

August 24, 2026
• Jay Spencer, owner of the Needham Center cafe, announced he’ll be passing the torch to the business’s executive pastry chef.

After 11 years at the helm of French Press Bakery and Cafe, its founder Jay Spencer will be stepping down. He announced his decision in a social media post Thursday.

Running the Chapel Street business, he wrote, “has been one of my greatest accomplishments.”

“While I am personally saying goodbye, I leave with an overwhelming sense of appreciation for the community that welcomed and supported me for all these years,” Spencer wrote. Stepping back will allow him to spend more time with his children, he added, and he will continue advising the business on a flexible schedule.

He leaves French Press in the hands of Arthur Davtian, the executive pastry chef and assistant general manager who joined the business 11 years ago, according to the French Press website.

“Arthur has been an integral part of the French Press family almost since the beginning,” Spencer wrote on social media, “and I have tremendous confidence in his talent, dedication, leadership, and commitment to our guests and our community.”

Last year, the business celebrated its 10-year anniversary, during which patrons filled the entryway with messages of gratitude. The outpouring continued in the comments of the announcement post on Facebook and Instagram, with people congratulating Spencer and sending him well wishes.

Spencer shared his own thank you back to the community.

“To everyone who has stopped in for a cup of coffee, shared a meal with us, picked up a favorite pastry, celebrated a special occasion, or simply made French Press part of your day—thank you,” he wrote. “Your support, kindness, encouragement, and loyalty over these past 11 years have meant more to me than I can possibly express.”

Spencer’s stint in Needham began across the street, where he ran Petit Robert Bistro for seven years before the restaurant closed in December 2017. French Press opened in June 2015 at 74 Chapel St.

Spencer did not respond to a request for comment on Thursday.

French Press serves a rotating selection of French pastries, as well as sandwiches, tartines, salads, breads, desserts and coffee. During peak times, its outdoor seating, particularly on warm days, is filled. And Spencer himself is often spotted behind the counter.

The Needham business scene has ebbed and flowed in recent years, with the loss of several storefronts and the addition of new ones.

Now with more than a decade behind French Press, Spencer reflected on its success.

“When I first opened our doors, I could only hope that French Press would become more than just a bakery and cafe,” he wrote. “Over the years, it has become a place filled with friendship, laughter, conversation, celebrations, and countless memories. We became a community business because of you.”