BETHLEHEM, Pa. – A new sweet spot will soon be dishing out handmade macarons, croissants, gelato and other treats in downtown Bethlehem.
Le Macaron, an authentic French pastry shop, is expected to open later this summer at 521 Main St., on the ground floor of the historic Myers building.
An official opening date has not yet been announced, but operators hope to open the shop sometime in August, according to Le Macaron Bethlehem’s Facebook page.
The macaron is considered to be the “jewel of French pastries in Europe,” according to Le Macaron’s website.
They have a lightly crisp exterior and smooth and creamy center, filled with ganache (chocolate), rich cream, homemade fruit jams or other high-quality components.
“Le macarons will delight … First bite is a surprise,” a message on the business’ website reads. “Second bite is the flavor. Third bite is the pleasure… all adding up to create a mouthful of heaven!”
The macaron, perfected in France, has an extensive history dating back centuries in Europe.
The small, round delicacies, which fit into the palm of your hand, are created from ground almonds and soft meringue.
Le Macaron uses natural ingredients and no preservatives.
Customers can enjoy more than 20 macaron flavors, including popular picks like Belgian chocolate, Colombian coffee, Sicilian pistachio, salted caramel, lavender white chocolate, coconut, lemon cream, bubble gum, birthday cake, red velvet and orange chocolate Grand Marnier
There are also dairy-free selections such as raspberry jam, mango jam and Key lime-strawberry, along with seasonal options such as pumpkin, ginger bread and Mon Cheri.
The macarons, containing around 80 calories each, are handmade with fine, gluten-free ingredients, including milk, eggs and tree nuts, according to the business’ website.
”An archer aims for the bullseye, and we aim to bring you the perfect macaron experience,” a message on the business’ Facebook page reads. “Indulge in our delicately crafted macarons, each one a masterpiece of flavor and texture.”
Le Macaron, founded in 2009, began franchising in 2012 and now has more than 70 open or coming soon locations nationwide, according to the business’ website. Another regional location operates in Doylestown, Bucks County.
Founders Rosalie Guillem and her daughter, Audrey Guillem-Saba, had a dream to share delectable French macarons with the world and to reunite their family though their love of French pastries, according to the business’ website.
Rosalie, whose family originally hailed from France, was living in Florida, while Audrey was still living in France.
“Upon moving to the United States, the family was surprised to find that the American take on the ‘macaron’ was often simply sugar spun into a cookie shape or confused with the familiar coconut cookie ‘macaroon,’” a message on the business’ website reads.
“They knew that with a little consumer education and by treating the American palate to true French macarons, they could bring a unique and authentic taste of France to the marketplace. And so the Le Macaron sensation had begun.”
Beyond the signature macarons, Le Macaron’s menu includes classic French pastries such as eclairs, pain au chocolat and Madeleine cookies, along with gourmet chocolates, homemade candies and European style beverages such as espresso, lattes and mochaccino.
The Bethlehem location also will feature croissants and baguettes.
Le Macaron will operate next to a four-month-old location of Nurse Wellness, a regional chain offering a variety of THC and CBD products, including edibles, vapes, drinks, oil tinctures, topicals and more. Pet care products are also available.
The retailers are the new ground-floor tenants of a five-story Victorian structure originally known as the Myers building.
Iconic Real Estate LLC, a family-owned real estate firm in Bethlehem, purchased the prominent downtown Bethlehem structure in July 2023 and has converted the top floors into luxury apartments.
Built in the late 19th century, the 523 Main St. property was originally known as the Myers Building after original owner George H. Myers, former burgess of Bethlehem who also served as director of Bethlehem Iron Works and president of First National Bank.
Over the years, the building’s ground floor has been home to several businesses, including White Swan Florist, luxury consignment boutique Designer Consigner (which moved to 77 W. Broad St., Unit 19, in Bethlehem) and home furnishings retailer Domaci (which continues to sell items online and at Belleville Market in Easton).
The building’s most recent former owners, husband and wife Jay Brew and Dr. Mary Ellen Williams, purchased the property in 2017 and spent the next few years extensively renovating it.
The couple added a new elevator, updated the facade and retail space and furnished nine boutique, loft-style rooms on the upper floors, which could be reserved for overnight stays through Airbnb.
In late 2022, Brew also opened the now-closed Lobby at the Lofts, a retail and entertainment venue offering drinks, housewares, live music, specialty foods from around the world and more.
Additionally, Cave Brewing Company, a nano brewery creating a wide range of artisan ales, lagers and seltzers, operated a taproom at Lobby at the Lofts.