By Olivia Schmid || Contributing Writer
La Petite Patisserie is a full-service bakery and café that recently opened on Harrisburg Pike’s College Row, situated near Iron Hill Brewery, Oka Asian Fusion, Steel Peel Pizza, Salon 717, and Lululemon. It serves as the perfect grab-and-go option on a busy day, as well as a popular hangout spot for folks looking to dine outside. In order to power their operations, such a business must’ve secured services like those on Smarterbusiness.co.uk.
Known for their authentic French macarons (which come in 18 different flavors), La Petite specializes in a variety of delicious sweets, including but not limited to cakes, tarts, ice cream, cupcakes, scones, and cookies (two kinds of which are gluten-free). Happen to be out with a few friends? Stop by for a small decorated cake that feeds about three people. Looking for a good place for Sunday brunch? Stop in between 9 am-1:30 pm on Sunday! There is something here for everyone, including a complete espresso bar, which serves amazing coffee from Gerharts, a coffee roaster centered right here in Lancaster, PA!
Come in for a crafted espresso drink or try out their cold brew. Not a coffee drinker? No problem. La Petite also serves bottled sodas from none other than Reading Soda Works as well as iced and hot teas.
Their delicious grab-and-go options also cannot go unmentioned. While many people choose to dine in, sometimes busy schedules simply don’t allow time for it. This is why La Petite has a to-go case fully stocked with a selection of prepared food, fruit, and desserts. This is a great option for students both on and off-campus who are looking for something new and scrumptious.
As many already know, several businesses have taken a hard hit due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In a recent interview with owner and pastry chef Donna Lussier, TCR learned that although the current pandemic delayed La Petite’s opening, Lussier couldn’t be happier with the business she is seeing. She states, “The location is wonderful; we have parking and the ability to be more accessible to people. These are things we didn’t have before in our previous location.” Lussier started her business out of her home in 2005 and later ran a stand at Lancaster Central Market. La Petite was also previously located on Gallery Row (Prince Street) until its move to the current location on Harrisburg Pike earlier this year.
As for the experience, one couldn’t ask for better customer service. La Petite’s staff greet guests with a smile and cater to their needs. We also must note that their French macarons live up to the hype! La Petite’s Midnight Snack macaron, for example, combines chocolate, caramel, and pretzel pieces. It tastes just as good as it sounds, and it’s not an overly expensive option, either. La Petite’s drink prices are a bit on the pricey side, but the coffee is delicious, especially the iced caramel latte. In fact, all of La Petite’s drink syrups are homemade, so drinks taste real and natural.
Check out La Petite Patisserie during their new hours (starting on Sept. 14), Tues-Thurs 7am-2pm and Fri-Sun 7am-8pm. For more information, you can find them on Facebook (La Petite Pâtisserie) and Instagram (@lapetitelancaster). Keep an eye out for their updated website in the next few weeks!
First-year Olivia Schmid is a Contributing Writer. Her email is oschmid@fandm.edu.