Gustave Boulangerie Wins 2025 Heart of Del Ray

Kevin Dauray February 14, 2025

0 1 minute read

AlexandriaVA In 2025, a family of five poses with a large heart-shaped Heart of Del Ray sign from the Del Ray Business Association in front of Gustave Boulangerie & Brasserie. The iconic blue building, with its inviting outdoor seating, serves as the perfect backdrop for this cherished moment. THeZebraPress — From right: Karim Mashmour with his son Aiden, wife Sam,, Noah, and a relative. (Photo: Lucelle O’Flaherty/The Zebra Press)

ALEXANDRIA, VA-Last year, for the first time ever, there were two recipients of the Heart of Del Ray Award. Gustave Boulangerie & Brasserie (2213 Mt. Vernon Ave.) is the sole winner this year.

“It’s not just a great spot with great food, it’s the culture they create,” said Del Ray Business Association President Lauren Fisher. “The amount of community support they’ve given us and other non-profits, and the community events they’ve hosted — like an amazing Christmas market — Gustave has really enriched our neighborhood in more ways than one. This is well-deserved.”

The bakery, known for authentic French pasteries and welcoming atmosphere, received the award in a presentation early this morning. The award is given to the business that best represents the heart and soul of the Del Ray neighborhood.

Over 1,600 people participated in online voting.

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“When we opened a business here, we knew that we had to belong to the community,” said Gustave Boulangerie & Brasserie owner Karim Mashmour. “All of the businesses around us — that’s what they’re doing — all of the businesses in Del Ray are doing such a great job of helping one another. We love our Del Ray village.”

CORRECTION: The caption incorrectly listed the names of the people who appear in the photo. It has been corrected.