A new Japanese and French-inspired cafe has opened up in the most unassuming area of Richmond.

Oui Patisserie officially soft opened on Tuesday, Sept. 9, in a former warehouse on River Road, between Capstan Way and Cambie Road.

Toby Lee, and husband-and-wife duo Andy Men and Gloria Lu are the co-owners of the shop, with Lu as the head baker.

The three Richmond residents met as neighbours and became friends when Lu would bake cakes and share them with Lee.

It turned out the cakes Lu baked were more than just a hobby. Her experience comes from culinary school and even previously working as a head pastry chef for Vancouver's Miku and Minami restaurants.

Lu told the Richmond News she loves sweet things and coffee and wanted to make cakes that the community would like.

"It's my first time co-owning a business, and it's a little stressful, but it is amazing to have my own physical store," she said.

"I can make the cakes that I like and try a lot of new things while bringing good cakes to people."

Lu came up with the name and branding for the shop. Oui Patisserie means "yes" in French, as in saying "yes, it's time to enjoy pastries." But it also has an acronym for "Oways U and I."

"For us, it's all about bringing the community together. Everyone loves food, and we think it's a great way to connect people this way," they added.

Oui Patisserie's menu introduces a fusion of French and Japanese taste and texture, with its pistachio supreme sponge cake as its signature item.