Arthur Davtian, who started as an overnight baker at French Press Bakery and Café in 2015, now owns the Needham Center shop.

Founder Raji "Jay" Spencer announced the transition on the cafe's Instagram account on Aug. 20. He named Davtian, then the executive pastry chef and assistant general manager, as his successor. Spencer wrote that owning and operating French Press had been one of his greatest accomplishments and that he was leaving with deep appreciation for the community's support over 11 years.

Spencer said the change would give him more time with his children. He wrote that he had his kids later in life and they deserve more of his time. He added that he would not disappear entirely, planning to stay on as a business advisor on a flexible schedule.

Spencer said he has tremendous confidence in Davtian's talent, dedication and commitment to the community. The post drew hundreds of reactions from customers.

Davtian, a Watertown native, trained at Newbury College in Brookline before working at several area bakeries and hotels. He landed at French Press a few months after Spencer opened it, according to the Needham Observer.

"I've been here from the beginning," Davtian told the Observer. "I was their overnight baker and worked my way up."

As owner and general manager, Davtian oversees 30 bakers and baristas producing scratch-made pastries, breads, sandwiches and coffee at 74 Chapel St. The team turns out 200 to 300 croissants a day, along with comparable volumes of Danish and other pastries.

Davtian told the Observer he plans to gradually introduce Middle Eastern flavors to the menu, drawing on his Armenian heritage. But he said he won't stray far from what French Press is known for.

He and his wife, Anna Davtian, decided the time was right to take on ownership once their three daughters were old enough. Davtian also coaches his daughters' soccer.

Another staff member will step into the executive pastry chef role. Davtian said he still plans to keep his hands in production while becoming more visible to customers out front.

French Press Bakery and Café, at 74 Chapel St., is open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.