Marvelous Macarons: A Bakery’s Sweet Journey to TikTok Fame
SABATTUS, Maine — In today’s digital age, few things can elevate a small business like the power of social media. Marvelous Macarons, a quaint bakery nestled in Sabattus, is experiencing just that after a local food critic’s TikTok review propelled their standout dish into the culinary spotlight.
The Viral Spark
In mid-February, Jennisha "Gigi" Warner, a local food critic, posted a rave review of the bakery’s innovative creation: the Dubai chocolate strawberry cup. With a glowing 9 out of 10 rating, the video caught fire, amassing nearly 350,000 views in a matter of days. This TikTok blitz spurred an unexpected surge in demand, prompting fans to camp outside the bakery, lawn chairs in tow, eagerly waiting for the shop to open.
Recipe for Success
At the heart of this viral sensation is the creatively crafted Dubai chocolate strawberry cup. Owner Jenna Roberts describes the dish as a sensory delight, combining sweet strawberries and rich chocolate with a luxurious pistachio cream. The pièce de résistance is the kataifi, a shredded phyllo dough that adds an intriguing texture to the mix.
“It looks almost like a ramen noodle,” Jenna explains with a grin. “We toast it and mix it with the pistachio cream, so you get layers of strawberries, chocolate, pistachio. It’s a flavor explosion.”
The Burden of Popularity
However, the newfound fame hasn’t come without its challenges. Roberts, previously operating the bakery as a one-woman show, suddenly found herself overwhelmed by the influx of customers. “One day, I was perfectly capable of running it by myself, and then it was like I needed 20 people staffed, trained, and ready to go,” she recalled.
To manage the hectic rush, Jenna turned to her family for help. “I recruit my mom, my sister, and my daughter graciously, for free. For now, anyway, until they get sick of me,” she joked. Additionally, she recently hired a new team member whose singular job is to cut strawberries each Friday, acknowledging the humor in the situation by quipping that soon she might never want to see a strawberry again.
More Than Just a TikTok Treat
While the Dubai chocolate strawberry cup has certainly put Marvelous Macarons on the map, Jenna hopes that her other baked goods will keep customers returning. “I know they’re coming for the fruit cup, but I hope the baked goods are making them come back,” she mentioned, highlighting her range of products including delectable macarons, cupcakes, and freshly squeezed lemonade.
Open for Business
Marvelous Macarons is conveniently located at Mixers Plaza, but there’s a catch – the bakery is only open two days a week, on Fridays and Saturdays. Jenna specifies that the coveted Dubai fruit cups can only be snagged on Saturdays, starting at 10:30 a.m., until they sell out.
This selective availability has only added to the allure, making each visit feel like a special occasion for those eager to taste the viral treat.
As Jenna navigates this exciting, albeit challenging phase of her bakery’s evolution, it’s clear that community support, family involvement, and social media can create a whirlwind of opportunities for local businesses.
