When Panimon, a premium Romanian bakery needed bespoke leather menu covers for their new Bistro, they came to us. Our leather customisation workshop handmakes journals, menu covers and other special items for some of the world's finest restaurants, hotels and businesses in Europe and beyond.
Today, Olivia Voicu, Panimon Bistro Manager, shares the delicious story of one of Romania's most famous bakeries, and the savoury speciality you should try when you visit the country.
Tell us a little about what Panimon do?
Panimon is a well-established name, synonymous with excellence in milling, baking, and confectionery. With a tradition that began in 1957 in flour production, we’ve transformed our expertise into a refined portfolio of products: high-quality artisanal bread, specialty pastries, delicate and unique cakes, as well as fresh doughnuts.
Panimon stores — a natural continuation of our milling activity — are present through nine proprietary points of sale, offering authentic taste and high standards of quality every day. We are a Romanian brand with national recognition, built on reliability, respect for people, and a passion for perfection.
What do you do for Panimon?
I started at Panimon two years ago, initially just in the marketing team. I helped develop and strengthen the visual identity of the brand, including producing the photos used on the website and in online communications.
Later, with the opening of Panimon Atelier Bistro, I was offered the role of store manager. It was a natural transition in a company that encourages involvement and professional growth.
Currently, most of my work revolves around managing the Bistro, but I continue to be involved in the visual aspect as well, because marketing and photography are fields where I feel connected to the brand’s values and can contribute creatively.
Is this the shop where you have paper republic’s custom leather menu covers?
Yes, that’s right. I had seen paper republic on Instagram some time ago, and I really loved what you were doing. I ordered a portfolio for my personal use, and when it came to thinking about the menu covers for our new location, I knew who to contact.
What do you use your paper republic portfolio for?
As someone passionate about photography, I spend most of my time in the digital world. But there’s something about paper that simply can’t be replaced. I use my portfolio to jot down ideas for photos, videos — everything related to the creative side.
Panimon’s outlets have a lovely, stylish aesthetic that would not look out of place on the streets of Paris, London or New York. What’s the story behind that?
This was the founders’ vision from the very beginning: for every Panimon location to offer a welcoming and elegant setting, where the quality of the products is complemented by a complete gastronomic experience. The atmosphere, design, and attention to detail are all carefully crafted to highlight the refinement of each product.
People have responded enthusiastically to this approach. I often receive messages from other cities asking us to open Panimon locations there — a clear sign that what we offer goes beyond a simple purchase and creates an authentic bond between the brand and its customers.
Panimon is a bakery, but you also have a lot of community involvement. Tell us more..
At Panimon, we believe that producing food means much more than delivering a consumer product — it’s an act with deep social and cultural significance. We are constantly involved in educational and community projects, especially for children, driven by the belief that investing in future generations is one of the most valuable long-term directions.
We support initiatives that promote personal responsibility, social engagement, and a balanced lifestyle. We organize visits to our mills and production facilities, so that children can understand the entire process and develop a mindful relationship with food. We teach them that bread is not just a product on a shelf, but the result of dedicated work, respect for ingredients, and for the people who prepare it.
We also support sporting events for children, both regionally and nationally, promoting physical activity and well-being.
Our involvement extends to the cultural sphere as well. We believe that art deserves to be brought closer to people, and that industrial spaces can become authentic backdrops for artistic expression.
What do you like most about working at Panimon?
What I enjoy most is that I never get bored. There’s always something new — projects, ideas, challenges. Everything is constantly evolving, and that keeps me motivated and connected to what I do.
What is it about paper public that caught your eye in the first place?
I was immediately drawn to the visual aesthetic on your website: clean, balanced images, with static compositions and carefully crafted minimalism. I liked the style because it conveys refinement, clarity, and attention to detail.
As I started to learn more about the company, I discovered an authentic and meaningful story that perfectly complements the quality of the products. I was impressed by the texture of the leather, the smoothness of the paper, and the elegance of the packaging — each element contributes to a complete experience, built with coherence and good taste.
So when we had to choose leather covers for the menus at Panimon, I knew that paper republic was the right choice. It was a natural continuation of an aesthetic that represents us.
Finally, what Romanian bakery speciality people should try when visiting Romania?
I would recommend brânzoaice, cheese-filled pastries that are a traditional treat with a soft texture and delicate filling. At Bistro Panimon Atelier, they are baked on the spot, right in front of our customers. The moment we take them out of the oven — golden and steaming — they draw attention and complete the experience with a warm, homey feel.