Dave Boswell established the French Baguette Connection in 2000. His shop at the Central Precinct only opens from 1pm to 3pm to the public.
Dave Boswell specialises in French bread and builds his business at Chandler’s Ford Central Precinct.
His main business is delivering baguettes, patisseries and confectionery to businesses in Chandler’s Ford, especially to the School Lane area.
Dave used to be a baker for Safeway. He also went into retail and worked for an old mobile phone company, Peoples Phone, which was later taken over by Vodafone. Dave later had to leave his retail job to look after his father.
Niche market: French Baguettes in Chandler’s Ford
In year 2000, Dave found a unit in the Central Precinct by chance. The rent was much lower comparing to units in other parts of Chandler’s Ford.
It’s at the Central Precinct that Dave found his niche market.
The French Baguette Connection sandwich shop run by Dave Boswell.
Dave specialises in fresh French bread. He realised that the Central Precinct did not bring enough footfall to his shop, so he changed focus by delivering French baguettes to customers instead.
Dave lives in Netley Abbey; he gets ready each day from 5am. With his trusted little van and his dedication, he has built a successful business in the Chandler’s Ford industrial area.
Dave runs the business on his own, with an able part-time assistant called Beth.
When customers don’t come to the Central Precinct
Dave told me that when business doesn’t come to you, you ‘go and get it’.
Dave Boswell finds happiness in Chandler’s Ford Central Precinct.
Who makes the Central Precinct?
What does Dave think of the Central Precinct? Dave loves this friendly community. He said, “People who work here make it.”
Spit Crackle & Hog
Dave also provides a hog roast catering service – Spit Crackle & Hog. His inspiration of the name “Spit Crackle & Hog” comes from an old Rice Krispies advert with the famous catchphrase, “Snap, Crackle and Pop.”
Is Dave happy? Yes, Dave is thoroughly happy with a thriving business that he owns, at the Central Precinct of Chandler’s Ford.
The French Baguette Connection in Chandler’s Ford Central Precinct is between the chiropody clinic and Richard Small & Co chartered accountants.
French Baguette Connection
Delivering baguettes, patisseries and confectioneries to the Chandler’s Ford area.
Functions and Hog Roasts in Hampshire and surrounding areas.
Spit Crackle & Hog
Delivery ordering times:
Monday to Friday 8:00am – 10:00am
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I walked past Dave’s shop many times before but it was always closed. I was baffled how this ‘takeaway’ and sandwich bar was often closed in the afternoon. Last week when I finally got to talk to Dave (the shop was still closed, but I saw the lights were on behind the French and British flags, so I knocked on his door) and heard his story, I was so very pleased. What a humble yet inspirational story.
Well done, Dave. A happy mix of inspiration, French Culture and an adaptable business plan. Long may it continue.
I walked past Dave’s shop many times before but it was always closed. I was baffled how this ‘takeaway’ and sandwich bar was often closed in the afternoon. Last week when I finally got to talk to Dave (the shop was still closed, but I saw the lights were on behind the French and British flags, so I knocked on his door) and heard his story, I was so very pleased. What a humble yet inspirational story.