Oh la la
New French bakery whips into San Antonio amid major expansion plans
The Alamo City may be far away from France, but one of the country's most famous confections will soon be as easy to find near the San Antonio River as it is along the banks of the Seine. The first location of Sarasota, Florida-based Le Macaron opened September 20 at the Shops at La Cantera.
That debut is just the beginning of a planned expansion throughout the city. A spokesperson for the company also says that six more locations are in development around San Antonio but did not divulge the timeframe or locations.
Founded in 2009 by mother-and-daughter team Rosalie Guillem and Audrey Guillem-Saba, the company’s mission is to popularize authentic macarons — a cookie sometimes confused with the coconut macaroon — in the American market. The meringue-based treats form the foundation of the menu in flavors ranging from basil white chocolate to strawberry key lime.
The sweet shop also offers an array of other classic French baked goods like madeleines, eclairs, and croissants. The chain’s brick-and-mortars, like the outpost at 15900 La Cantera Pkwy., Ste. 2315, echo the theme with a lively cafe atmosphere.
The new San Antonio Le Macarons, however, will be mobile kiosks, an innovation the company is increasingly leaning on to appeal to customer’s on-the-go lifestyles. The company rep says that San Antonio’s profusion of malls, stadiums, and other tourist hubs made the city an attractive opportunity.
The San Antonio growth is just a part of Le Macaron’s ambitious Texas plans. An April release noted 10 franchises planned for the Austin, El Paso, and Dallas areas by 2023. That number has now risen to 40, according to the rep.
