Greek social media influencer Ioanna Touni has temporarily closed her new Paris croissanterie, Fat Rat, just days after launching the business in the French capital. The establishment, which sells coffee and freshly baked croissants, announced the pause to make operational improvements following higher customer demand than anticipated.
According to an announcement posted on Monday, September 28, on the shop's official Instagram page, management decided to shutter the venue for a brief period to implement unspecified updates. The Fat Rat team stated in the post that customer support had exceeded their expectations and explained that the brief closure would allow staff to prepare the premises before reopening with their full beverage and pastry menu.
Paris is world renowned for its tradition of artisanal bakeries and classic viennoiserie. Launching a customizable croissant bar in the French capital represents a significant commercial venture for international entrepreneurs, as retail food establishments often face intense local competition and rigorous operational standards. Temporary closures shortly after soft openings are frequently used by new hospitality venues to adjust kitchen workflows and expand capacity.
Instagram Announcement and Upgrades
The official statement released by the establishment thanked patrons for the overwhelming affection shown toward the business since its debut. The team noted that the response was far greater than they could have imagined when planning the store. Management added that the temporary break was necessary to raise the overall level of service and store preparation, assuring customers that the location would return shortly with their favourite croissants and coffee options.
Prior to the temporary closure announcement, Touni disclosed details about the establishment's origins in a social media video published on September 7. She explained that she had spent approximately one and a half years working to bring the commercial project to fruition. Touni co-founded the Paris venue alongside her younger cousin, Panagouu, who works professionally as a pastry chef in the French capital.
Development of the Paris Business
The business model centers on an interactive croissant bar concept. Customers ordering at the counter select their own fillings, toppings, and garnishes to build a customized pastry. Touni emphasized that all baked goods sold at the shop are handcrafted on site every day and prepared by her cousin Panagouu.
Reflecting on the opening, Touni described the store as the realization of a personal dream she had harbouring for many years. She noted that seeing the project materialize allowed her to experience her long held vision in a tangible way. She added that the venture served as a reminder that personal goals have no limits, sharing that entrepreneurs can overcome self-doubt, initial fears, and repeated discouragement from skeptics to achieve success. Touni stated that taking the initial step was crucial, describing the Paris launch as one of the largest milestones of her career.
Reaction and Media Context
The opening of Fat Rat generated significant attention across Greek news outlets following initial reports of the venture on September 7. Two days later, on September 9, Touni publicly acknowledged a lighthearted comment made by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis regarding her new Parisian enterprise, responding playfully to the head of government's remarks during a media appearance.
