MANAYUNK

Blog post by Manayunk Development Corporation Fall Intern, Emily Nagle.

Walking into Petit Gourmand, you would probably assume that its owners have lived, breathed, and sold kitchen wares and gourmet foods for about as long as they’ve known how to walk.  With its customizable gift boxes, local condiments, and unique cooking gadgets, all perfectly placed into the tiny store’s shelves and displays, the store is easily one of the most adorable shops in Philadelphia.  For owners Sarah and her husband Dan, Petit Gourmand came out of a combination of spontaneous inspiration and lifelong passions.

Before opening Petit Gourmand, Sarah worked as a lawyer on both sides of personal injury claim suits but, despite her success, she dreamed of opening her own business.  From 2010, Sarah started her own small product business out of her kitchen but ended the business in 2012.  However, she took the knowledge she gained during that time with her and, when she came across the space at 103 Cotton Street, Sarah knew she was ready to start a business again.  She had been looking for somewhere for her law practice and had heard great things about Manayunk: “There were other independent business owners and they really like the area and their businesses.”  When she saw the space, Sarah thought “I can have a shop and an office!” Everything, including the name, fell perfectly into place from there.  Today, when she isn’t in the store, Sarah continues to practice law, now as a small business lawyer and consultant, in the basement of Petit Gourmand.

Sarah’s entrepreneurial passion was clearly the main driving force behind the opening of Petit Gourmand, but where did the choice of gourmet foods and kitchen wares come from?  Sarah’s husband Dan, who is a co-owner of the store, has a culinary degree and worked as a pastry chef when the couple lived in Chicago.  He later earned a graduate degree Urban Planning and now works as a transit planner with SEPTA but continues to exercise his love of cooking at home and through the store.  Of the couple’s choice to open Petit Gourmand, Sarah says “He likes cooking and food and I like business and buying, so it just worked!”

So now that Sarah has opened her own business, what is her favorite part about being her own boss?  The buying process!  “I try to buy stuff that you can’t get at a place like a Target or Williams Sonoma,” says Sarah.  To make sure that all the store’s products are fun, distinctive, and flow well together, Sarah spends a lot of time researching trends and going to trade shows.  She also pays close attention to what her customers are looking for: “The original idea was more focused on utility, but the unique, quirky items and gadget-like things are what are prominent. We recently have attracted a lot of gift-y people.”  Sarah also strives to support other small business owners by selling products from local vendors, who she finds through local markets and word-of-mouth.  Some local Philly favorites available at the shop include, Eclat Chocolat, St. Lucifer Spice, Gritty City Phila. Candles, Volta Soap, John & Kira's, Rival Bros. Coffee, Hank Sauce, Righteous Felon Jerky, & Epic Pickles.

In addition to selling local products, Sarah and Dan work hard to make Petit Gourmand part of the Manayunk community.  The store participates in the Pretzel Park Farmers’ Market from May through October and is also featured on Chew Philly’s Haunted Food Tour.  Now that they’ve been part of the Manayunk community for a little while, Sarah says they’re just as in love with it as when they got here:  “I just love the feel of the neighborhood, all of its people, and those who have their own unique businesses.”  And with a shop as charming and unique as Petit Gourmand, it’s a good bet that Manayunk feels the same way!