SDSU Education Sweetens Success for Founders of Award-Winning Parfait Paris
SAN DIEGO,CA – September 22,2025 – San Diego’s beloved French bakery,Parfait Paris,celebrated for its consistently award-winning desserts,traces its origins back to a classroom at San Diego State University. Founded in 2014 by Ludivine ryon (’13) and her husband, Guillaume Ryon, the bakery has grown from a single Gaslamp Quarter location to multiple shops throughout San diego County, becoming a local favorite and a testament to the power of a strong educational foundation.
The story of Parfait paris highlights the important impact SDSU’s L.Robert Payne School of hospitality & Tourism Management has on the region’s thriving culinary scene. For Ludivine Ryon, the university wasn’t just a place to earn a bachelor’s degree; it was a crucial stepping stone that provided the skills, knowledge, and support needed to realize a long-held dream. The bakery’s success demonstrates how SDSU’s hospitality program cultivates entrepreneurial spirit and contributes to the economic vitality of San Diego.
ludivine Ryon credits SDSU’s welcoming environment for international students as a key factor in her decision to attend. Immersing herself in the program, she diligently absorbed the curriculum, taking detailed notes that would later prove invaluable. Recognizing a gap in the San Diego market - a lack of authentic French pastry shops - Ludivine and Guillaume leveraged her SDSU education to launch Parfait Paris.
More than a decade later, parfait Paris has repeatedly earned the title of “Best Desserts in San Diego,” solidifying its reputation for quality and innovation. ludivine Ryon remains deeply appreciative of the extensive support SDSU provided, extending far beyond the traditional classroom experience.The couple continues to build on that foundation,expanding their business and delighting San Diego residents with their French-inspired creations.
