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How sweet it is: Gorant returns to Austintown
By Elise Franco
AUSTINTOWN
With the new year just a few weeks away, new business in the township shows no signs of slowing.
Darren Crivelli, Austintown zoning inspector, said 30 new occupancy permits were issued in 2010 for businesses, including a Dairy Queen, Maggie’s Magic Muffins, Holiday Inn Express and the most recent to open, the Yum Yum Tree by Gorant Chocolatier.
The new Gorant shop is in the Weston Plaza at Mahoning Avenue and state Route 46.
Store owner Lori Gavalier said she’s wanted to bring the business back to Austintown since the former Gorant on Kirk Road closed in the township last year.
“We knew we wanted to partner with Gorant because it is branded in this area, and it’s been missed,” she said. “It’s a staple in our area.”
The store opened about two weeks ago, and Gavalier said business has been good.
“People will come in and ask, ‘Are you the real Gorant’s?’” she said. “It’s because people are missing the Gorant’s candy.”
Lisa Oles, Austintown trustee, said when the old store closed in 2009, it was a hit to the community, so she’s more than happy to see the chocolate shop reopen.
“It was one of those situations when you don’t realize what you have until it’s gone, so we’re happy to have them back,” she said. “It was basically a revolving door during the grand opening. People were coming and going throughout the day.”
Oles said the store has the potential to be successful in the township because residents know Gavalier and her husband, Bob Gavalier, who is the Austintown police chief.
“I think that Austintown residents are really loyal to township businesses, and already there’s a relationship that’s established with the Gavaliers in our community,” she said.
Gavalier said the Gorant store is unlike any other candy shop in the area because of what it has to offer.
“In addition to the Gorant’s-recipe candy, we’re offering a gift line that includes Waterford crystal and Roses of Wood,” she said.
The entrepreneur said she also hopes to appeal to those looking for a unique element for a wedding or party.
“We’re working on building the candy buffet,” Gavalier said. “Locally, the cookie table at different social events is a big thing. We’re finding that people want to complement their dessert table with trays of good chocolate.”
Though not all of the new permits issued in 2010 were for small business — a Holiday Inn Express is scheduled to open on state Route 46 in 2011 — Oles said Austintown locals also seem to prefer the “Mom and Pop shops.”
“We’re a bedroom community. We’re not a large- franchise community,” she said. “A lot of residents who own businesses live here as well.”