Overview:
Constantin Mayard, a longtime presence behind the counter at La P’tite Baguette in Cambria Heights, is remembered for helping turn the neighborhood bakery into a community gathering place through kindness, consistency and care.
For many longtime residents of Cambria Heights, Queens, La P’tite Baguette Shop has been woven into daily life. Neighbors stop in on their way to work, families pick up patties for gatherings, and familiar faces behind the counter make each visit feel personal.
At the center of that familiarity for decades was Constantin Mayard, whose steady presence and kindness helped transform the neighborhood bakery into a community gathering place.
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La P’tite Baguette Shop has served Cambria Heights for about 18 years, according to longtime childhood friend Karl Cadet. The original La Baguette Shop opened over 30 years ago, in 1990, in Jamaica, Queens, with additional shops opening over time. The Cambria Heights shop remains the only one to carry the “P’tite” name. In total, there are 15 locations, spanning from Boston to New York.
Mayard immigrated to the United States from Haiti at 23 years old with his three brothers and two sisters, who later opened the bakery’s other locations. Working closely with his family, Mayard became deeply involved in daily operations, helping foster an atmosphere that customers and coworkers described as welcoming and personal.
Mayard personally selected the Cambria Heights location, recognizing it as a crossroads between New York City and Long Island. Over time, the shop became a regular stop for commuters and longtime residents alike, sustained by its location and the sense of familiarity Mayard cultivated.
Often stationed behind the counter, Mayard greeted customers by name and took time with both regulars and first-time visitors, treating each interaction with patience and care.
“He went above and beyond for those he knew and those he considered his friends,” said Linda Aris, who worked alongside him at the bakery. “Working with him was fun, even on the days we had to work really hard.”
The exterior of La P’tite Baguette Shop in Cambria Heights. Photo by Catherine Roth for The Haitian Times.
The shop’s interior reflected more than décor. Community members described the space as an extension of Mayard’s personality and his investment in culture. A lover of music, fashion and the arts, Mayard collected trinkets during supply runs, filling the bakery with objects that reflected his interests.
Artwork lined the walls, and outside stands a familiar statue of a baker, a landmark for many passing by. Customers said these details helped make the bakery instantly recognizable and welcoming.
“His bakery was a place of warmth, culture, and connection, offering delightful Haitian-inspired goods that carried the taste of home and heritage” said Cadet. “Constantin was more than an owner, he was a pillar of the neighborhood.”
The bakery is best known for its soup joumou, bouillon cabrit, and pain créole, as well as its light, flaky patties, filled with beef, herring, codfish, spinach, and chicken, baked fresh throughout the day. Their sweet scent often drifts through the shop, greeting customers as they enter.
Many remembered the small, consistent ways Mayard showed care, from his warm greetings to the attention he gave each customer. He worked from sunrise to sundown and even brief visits were marked by recognition and kindness, customers said.
“He was more than a friend, he was family,” said Alex Charlemagne, who has known Mayard since they both lived in Haiti. Charlemagne also moved to the U.S. a year after Mayard, and said he cherished their friendship which spanned decades and continents.
Mayard passed away on January 17 at the age of 78. His wake was filled with heartfelt memories and reflections from his two daughters and his grandsons, Noah, Nori and Noble Henry, who was also his godson. In a touching tribute, Noah sang “Maria” by Tabou Combo, a song that held special meaning for Mayard.
Those who knew him remember his sharp wit, his warmth, and the deep bonds he formed throughout his life. For decades, he was a beloved presence in the Cambria Heights community, leaving a legacy of love, laughter, and connection that continues to be felt.
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