Sunday, June 22, 2008
Food, Q&A
It’s a small world after all
Le Petit Marché delivers international goods
Spark St. Jude
Marchet Sparks
By Hope S. Philbrick
Since opening in Kirkwood Station late February 2008, Le Petit Marché (the Little Market) has attracted customers with its French country charm and its shelves laden with unique local and international goods. The Sunday Paper recently talked to owner Marchet Sparks for an inside peek at the specialty gourmet grocer and deli.
Q What inspired you to open this store?
A I left the real estate market and went to a “Plan B” career. With what’s going on in the real estate market, I had to find something else that would pique my interest more and get me in a better position while utilizing my sales skills. I’d taken various trips to France, and that’s where inspiration came. Le Petit Marché allows me to combine my love of food together with sales skills.
How’s this store different?
It’s unique in that it looks like it belongs in Provence, southern France. It looks very country cozy but is very modern at the same time in terms of its whole look and feel. The music helps create a Euro lounge kind of look and feel. And the store is beautifully designed; there are concrete acid-stained floors, smooth ceilings, stainless steel appliances—people say they feel like they’re getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city when they come into the store.
We carry very unique fine specialty foods like cheeses imported from Italy, and a lot of local items. Some of our most popular products include Hope’s Garden basil pesto which is a local product made in Buckhead; Rinse soaps made by Heather Swanpoel; Red Bird Ink custom stationery by Julia Farill; and K Chocolat which is locally made in Decatur by Kristen Hard. We also carry Brandi Barnes’ Just Add Honey Teas and pair that with local honey out of Marietta.
Among our imported French products is Oliviers & Co.’s wonderful line of olive oils, vinegars and tapenades, the French Farm line of vinegars and pestos, and Les Confitures jams.
The No. 1 seller in the entire store is our peanut butter. We have a peanut butter table where you can come sample any flavor. We have really whacked out flavors like chocolate chip cookie dough, jungle banana, raspberry white chocolate, cinnamon-raisin and dark chocolate duo. It’s PB Loco brand, and we can’t keep them in stock. Peanut butter is just one of those things people love; I didn’t think they would be a huge hit, but they are.
We host a “Meet the Maker” series, in which we bring in the local folks so people can actually meet them. We had Kristen in a couple of weeks ago—so people could meet the K in K Chocolat—and she talked about healthy chocolate. If folks are interested in attending, I ask that they get on my e-mail list. Sometimes the events will be free, sometimes there will be a fee; it depends. But we do want to get an accurate headcount because it’s a petite market with only 1,200 square feet.
Our deli sandwiches are making a lot of waves. We have an international menu with a Caribbean chicken sandwich, chicken salad, veggie panini, Greek roast beef and more. The Cuban is the No. 1 seller.
This is a really great place for gatherings and the space is available for rent, movie sets—I’m trying to get the word out!
Why Kirkwood?
I wanted to get in on an area that’s very grass roots. Kirkwood is on its way up; it’s an area with a lot of potential and room to grow.
It’s a brand new building; Kirkwood Station is a new sub-development. The big restaurant here is Vinocity. There’s also an award-winning Jazmin spa, a floral and gift shop, hair salon, design and art gallery and more. SP
Le Petit Marché is located at 1963 Hosea L. Williams Dr. It’s open Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sundays 11 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information, call 404-371-9888 or visit www.lepetitmarche.net.