On the evening of Thursday, November 5th the Dominion Valley Market Square shopping center welcomed in a new small business with the grand opening of Macaron Tart, a French Pasterisse that specializes in naturally made sweets and baking classes. Owner Elena Hocking welcomed Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, Corey Stewart and Gainesville District Supervisor Pete Candland as well as business, government and civic leaders to join the Macaron Tart in celebrating small business at this community event.
The evening began with an array of baked goods, both sweet and savory, as those in attendance marveled at the creations made by French trained pastry Chef and owner Elena. She welcomed the crowd to the Macaron Tart as she spoke of how excited she was to bring a taste of Paris to Haymarket to share with the community.
“I’m really happy and honored to be a part of this community and bring Macaron Tart to the local market,” said Hocking “I wanted to bring the French experience to the locals […] and Macaron Tart is a place where you can have that experience.”
She emphasized how important the small business community in Northern Virginia has been and how they contributed to her ability to open the store of her dreams, and will be a part of her success.
Hocking then introduced Candland and Stewart to the microphone to say a few words before the grand ribbon cutting. In speaking about the importance of community in building up small business owners Candland stated that the opening of Macaron Tart, “Reflects us here in Prince William County, people coming together and lifting each other up making it possible for someone to start a small business like this.” The supervisor went on to discuss how designing a community and putting in place important structure is essential, “but it is places like [Macaron Tart] that make a community desirable for people to live.”
[ngg_images gallery_ids=”560″ display_type=”ds-nextgen_royalslider”]
Stewart took the microphone to discuss the growth and diversification of the Prince William County area how residents of the county are steadily interested in becoming more cosmopolitan, making Macaron Tart a little piece of Europe.
“Economic development helps with the big businesses and some of those issues, but at the end of the day it’s the small business people that are generating most of the jobs, contributing most to the economic growth of this community.” said Stewart.
Hocking, Stewart, and Candland gave thanks to Linda Decker and the Flory Small Businesses Center, Inc for their contributions in helping the Macaron Tart come to life, and for the assistance they provide small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs in Prince William County.
The grand opening of Macaron Tart is only the first step towards making owner Hocking’s dreams come true. The store will hold baking classes monthly, as well as high teas for birthdays and other events, with an online store coming soon.
“We hope you come and make [Macaron Tart] a part of your world,” said Hocking.
Macaron Tart will be open to the public Saturday, Nov. 7, 2015.
