Photo courtesy of DRBA
The 2025 winners of the Heart of Del Ray gather for a photo.
The Del Ray Business Association presented the Gustave Boulangerie & Brasserie with the 2025 Heart of Del Ray Award on the morning of Valentine's Day. The annual award, given to the business or organization that represents the heart and soul of Del Ray, is determined by a public vote of neighbors and customers.
"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."
Known for its authentic French pastries and its warm and welcoming atmosphere, both the inside of the cafe and the new outdoor Jardin are favorite community gathering places. "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," wrote one customer. "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.
"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."
More than 1,600 neighbors, friends and customers participated in online voting. 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.
The Del Ray Business Association represents the independently-owned restaurants, retailers, and businesses in the Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria. For more information, visit www.visitdelray.com.
