Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café officially opened its first Arkansas location last week inside Pinnacle Hills Promenade in Rogers, bringing a taste of French café culture to Northwest Arkansas.
The café, which specializes in sweet and savory crêpes, joined Amorino Gelato in the food court area of the Promenade, where crowds have been stopping by for dessert since Amorino’s arrival in March. Sweet Paris occupies a bright corner spot with sidewalk seating that looks out onto the central walkway, a setup familiar to anyone who’s grabbed a coffee on a Parisian street.
Owned by Paris native Céline Bidegain, Sweet Paris is designed to evoke the charm and simplicity of a neighborhood crêperie. The menu features more than a dozen crêpes, from classic butter sugar and Nutella to savory options like jambon-fromage and a rotating selection of seasonal specials. Bidegain said she wanted to bring something “authentic and approachable” to the area, especially for families and young professionals looking for a quick but elevated bite.
“I’ve lived in the U.S. for many years, but I never found a real French crêperie,” Bidegain said. “When I saw this space and thought about the community in Rogers, it felt like the right time to open something that could be part of people’s everyday lives.”
The café is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. In addition to crêpes, the menu includes coffee, loose-leaf teas, and a selection of French pastries baked on-site each morning. Bidegain said she’s also planning to offer crêpe-making classes and French language exchange meetups in the coming months.
Just a short walk away, Amorino Gelato has been drawing steady crowds since it opened in March. Known for its hand-stretched gelato cones and Italian-style flavors, Amorino has become a popular stop for families and shoppers. The gelateria is open daily and offers both classic flavors like pistachio and stracciatella, as well as seasonal options like lavender honey and roasted fig.
Together, the two additions bring a new layer of international flavor to Pinnacle Hills Promenade, which has seen steady growth in dining and retail options over the past year. The area already includes Whole Foods Market and a range of local and national favorites, from Lazy Moon Pizza to Zaxby’s.
A Local Spot With Global Flair
Bidegain moved to Arkansas in 2010 and spent several years working in the food service industry before launching Sweet Paris. She said the idea had been in the back of her mind for years, but it wasn’t until she found the right location—and the right community—that she felt ready to take the leap.
“Rogers has such a growing, diverse population,” she said. “I wanted to create a space where people could come together, whether it’s for a quick coffee or a longer conversation over a crêpe.”
The café’s interior is simple but warm, with exposed brick walls, wooden tables, and a small open kitchen where customers can watch crêpes being made to order. Bidegain said she’s been encouraged by the early response, especially from families with young children and college students from the University of Arkansas who are looking for a change of pace from the usual coffee shop scene.
She’s also received positive feedback from French speakers in the area who appreciate having a taste of home. “It’s not just about the food,” Bidegain said. “It’s about creating a little bit of connection, a little bit of culture.”
For now, Sweet Paris is focused on building a regular customer base and refining its offerings. Bidegain said she’s open to expanding in the future but wants to make sure the Rogers location is strong first. “This is just the beginning,” she said.
Source: NWA Democrat Gazette
