BETHLEHEM, Pa.— Gina Passerman fought through tears of joy Friday, surrounded by her husband and daughter, as she explained how she came up with the idea for a French pastry shop on Main Street.
"This is a dream that came to me during COVID," Passerman said at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Le Macaron at 521 Main St.
"We are thrilled to be here and we hope that we get to live out our dream of bringing joy to Bethlehem and beyond."Gina Passerman, owner of Le Macaron on Main Street in Bethlehem
"I thought, I want to make a place where people can go and spend time, enjoy each other's company, and smile and be happy."
In addition to fresh-baked pastries and macarons, Le Macaron also sells espresso, coffee, chocolates, and classic French pastries like croissants and éclairs — all also freshly made.
The shop also serves fresh Gelato, and makes an effort to use pure ingredients in all of their products, and does not use preservatives.
Passerman worked in finance for more than 30 years, and said she was looking forward to a more lighthearted way to earn a living.
"I was expected to be accessible 24/7," she said of her life in finance.
"I felt like people weren't happy. People weren't calling me because they were happy or had something good to share. All of the calls I was getting were people in crisis."
'They are exceptional'
The Passerman family is not French, but Italian. The pastries and macarons are made by a baker who trained in France, however — and the Passermans know their stuff when it comes to the specialty item.
"We have a love of macarons as a family," Passerman said. "We've baked them together, we've taken classes together, we've tried them everywhere, and it just seemed like the right fit."
"I'm just happy to be in a place where people are coming in and they're happy to be there," she said with a smile.
At the ribbon-cutting, guests were given an opportunity to sample macarons and other pastries. Some of the flavors included birthday cake, tiramisu, vanilla and even champagne flavor — chosen specially for the grand opening.
They were a big hit, and Passerman could barely walk three steps without being stopped by someone who wanted to rave to her about the sweets.
"They are exceptional," one guest said to her.
"We're going to continue to be adding new products, fun products, sweet and savory treats, coffees," Passerman said.
There is even a jewelry stand where guests can buy earrings that are made to look like macarons.
'Truly a special place'
Representatives from across the Lehigh Valley came to recognize Le Macaron's opening and potential in the community.
Marek Tomanek, Northampton County deputy director of community and economic development, presented Passerman with a certificate of achievement.
"It's truly a special place, and I look forward to seeing you guys thrive in an area that has such a unique charm and energy about it," Tomanek said.
Bethlehem Economic Development Coordinator Alex Miller delivered a proclamation from Mayor J. William Reynolds.
"We're very happy to see Main Street get a little bit sweeter and a little bit more pastel," Miller said.
Passerman, with a glowing smile and happy tears in her eyes, said she was humbled by the support she's had.
"We are honored to be here," she said. "I have to thank my family for their unwavering support, my oldest and dearest friends, and my newest friends who have been with me every single step of the way.
"We are thrilled to be here, and we hope that we get to live out our dream of bringing joy to Bethlehem and beyond."
