Celebrating National Black Business Month in Harvard Square and Welcoming Le Macaron French Pastries

The Harvard Square Business Association is delighted to announce the opening of Le Macaron French Pastries, a patisserie that offers guests the finest, authentic macarons and pastries. Located in the heart of the Square at 1374 Massachusetts Avenue, this elegant little shop opened its doors on August 12 to offer guests the ultimate French experience. This new location is locally owned and operated by Karine and Emmanuel Ernest.

A celebration to commemorate the opening, as well as to celebrate National Black Business Month will take place on Friday, August 26^th at 2:00 p.m. The public is invited to attend. Guests will include Cambridge City Councillor Denise Simmons, Allyson Allen, Senior Economic Development Manager, Community Development Department, friends and family of Karine and Emmanuel, as well as representatives from Cambridge Savings Bank.           

Denise Jillson, executive director of the HSBA said, “It is always exciting to welcome new businesses to the Square, particularly so when a business is woman-owned and BIPOC-owned, as is the case with Le Marcon. We are especially delighted that Le Macaron officially opened during National Black Business Month which is truly significant…and the significance does not end there! The location of the shop was previously an office within the Cambridge Savings Bank, which was founded in 1834. It took tremendous imagination and dogged determination to convert a “lending office” into retail space. We applaud the bank’s leadership and creativity.”

Cambridge Savings Bank (CSB) has supported the expansion of Le Macaron French Pastries by leasing a portion of its space to the bakery. The transition of the space was seamless and allowed an existing CSB customer to operate in the unit with minimal construction. Furthermore, the arrangement allows for a minority-owned business to expand its unique services during National Black Business Month, a time where the city of Cambridge is acknowledging and appreciating the significant role all black-owned businesses play in the community. “CSB understands the important role that small businesses play in Cambridge,” stated Kevin Chaves, FVP, Regional Manager at CSB, “and we are thrilled to have Le Macaron in our Harvard Square location.”

"I am beyond thrilled to be welcoming a new business, particularly one owned by a woman and a person of color, to Harvard Square!" said City Councillor E. Denise Simmons. "Harvard Square is undergoing so much change and transformation, and having a place like Le Macaron French Pastries right in the heart of it will draw folks in, give them a place to stop and sample the local flavor, and make their visit to the Square that much more enjoyable. Seeing this business open its doors during National Black Business Month is particularly satisfying to me, and I know Le Macaron is going to have a long and successful home here in Cambridge.”

Allyson Allen, Senior Economic Development Manager, Community Development Department of the City of Cambridge said, “We are happy to welcome Le Macaron to Harvard Square. It’s entrepreneurs like Karine that contribute to the richness and diversity of Cambridge’s business community.”

Prior to opening the new patisserie, Ms. Ernest spent the better part of her career within the corporate realm. However, her true passion has always been entrepreneurship within the food service industry. Ms. Ernest is passionate about baking and cooking and looked to build something of her own in an industry that she enjoys. “I’ve always wanted to be an entrepreneur. It’s been a lifetime goal to build a successful business in an industry that I love.”  Ms. Ernest remarked, “Finding the time to do so while raising a family has been a challenge. Now is the time!"

Karine states, “Manny and I are blessed to be able to join the Harvard Square community. Cambridge Savings Bank and the Harvard Square Business Association, along with the locals have supported and provided encouragement throughout this incredible journey.”

Guests are greeted with brilliant colors and a modern interior complemented with traditional music playing throughout the café. Offering more than 20 flavors of macarons, as well as seasonal flavors, the menu extends to include pastries, gelato, coffee, cakes, éclairs, and more.

For more information about Le Macaron French Pastries of Cambridge, visit http://lemacaron-us.com/.