Gustave Boulangerie & Brasserie Earns 2025 Heart Of Del Ray Award

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Gustave Boulangerie & Brasserie has quickly earned a place in the hearts of Del Ray residents since opening in 2023. The business won the 2025 Heart of Del Ray award presented by the Del Ray Business Association Friday.

The annual award goes to the business or organization representing the "heart and soul of Del Ray." The public could vote for their favorite nominated business until 12 p.m. on Feb. 12. According to the business association, over 1,600 people participated in the online voting.

"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 business association says Gustave Boulangerie & Brasserie is known for its French pastries, welcoming atmosphere, and its new outdoor Jardin gathering space.

"Gustave has done so much this year to put on engaging events for the community and serve as a true third space for people of all ages to gather," one nominator had shared.

"They infuse Del Ray with warmth, community, and incredible French pastries. The outdoor space and amazing food make this my favorite spot to meet friends and family," wrote another.

The business association presented the heart-shaped award to Gustave Boulangerie & Brasserie Friday in time for Valentine's Day.

"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."

Other 2025 nominees were The Dairy Godmother, Del Ray Artisans, Del Ray Hardware and St. Elmo's Coffee Pub.

Businesses can only win the Heart of Del Ray award once. Past winners of the award include A Show of Hands, Jen Walker of McEnearney Associates, Bobi Bomar Homes of Alexandria, The Neighborhood Pharmacy of Del Ray, Greener Cleaner of Del Ray, Del Ray Pizzeria, Mind the Mat Pilates & Yoga, Caboose Cafe, Del Ray Cafe, HomeGrown Restaurant Group, Taqueria Poblano, Ms. Preeti's 7-11, Dolce & Bean, and Lena's Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap, the Del Ray Farmers' Market, The Friends of Duncan Library, and The Dog Store/Your Dog's Best Friends.