National Macaron Day: Celebrate At A Westchester Hidden Treasure

YONKERS, NY — For macaron lovers, the delicate, sugary treat is serious business. A true connoisseur can wax poetic about the subtle differences and hidden nuances in classic pistachio macarons, like a fine wine enthusiast comparing vintages of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

Perhaps that is why New York's sole Le Macaron outlet in a small Yonkers storefront has become something of a destination for those looking for an authentic experience without spending eight hours on an airplane.

"We get a lot of people from Queens, Brooklyn, New Jersey coming here just for us," Le Macaron Manager Veronica Cruz told Patch. "It's amazing how many people plan road trips around visiting the shop."

Although macaron fancy can be a genuine passion, both for the customers and the business owners, that doesn't mean that enjoying the unique joy is not approachable for the layperson.

On the other hand, we learned the hard way that the French-trained chef behind the mini-masterpieces should be referred to as a confectioner rather than a baker.

"It's a whole skillset,"Cruz explained. "That's why you can see we also have gourmet chocolates. Everyone loves the Eiffel Tower chocolates."

Cruz said that because this year's National Macaron Day coincides with the first day of spring, many of the 21 flavors on offer will highlight the flavors of the season.

"We thought that maybe the basil-lime macarons wouldn't appeal to everyone," Cruz said. "But even people walking through the door for the first time were really excited to try them. People order them just to try something different, but then they fall in love."

Westchester's Le Macaron has inspired countless pilgrimages in part because of the reputation of the parent franchise. Le Macaron was recently recognized as a "Top 100 Game Changer" by Franchise Dictionary Magazine. The national digital publication annually selects the top 100 franchises who have distinguished themselves as leaders within the franchise industry. Le Macaron was also named to the FranServe 2022 "Fran-Tastic 500 list," which recognizes the top franchises in the country, and is also listed on the "Top 100 Food and Beverage" by Entrepreneur.

The company founded in 2o12 has built a national reputation for offering authentic macarons and pastries prepared daily by French-trained chefs. Co-owner Rosalie Guillem has expanded the company from Florida, to more than 70 locations nationwide.

In addition to Le Macaron’s cafes, the company also has an in-demand catering and corporate gifting business.

For the franchise owners a little closer to home, the idea of building a business around macarons just made sense.

"They were looking for something unique and not widely available, but something that would get people excited," Cruz said. "It really feels like a family business, even the regulars start to feel like family.

New York's only Le Macaron is located at 202 Market Street at the Ridge Hill shopping center, but please save a birthday cake macaron for our return visit.