Eclairons

A long-standing family business gets a next-gen twist at Eclairons, a serene spot in Old Town to indulge in the sweetest French pastries and rich Illy coffee. Toni Srour is the pastry chef behind the Eclairon creations that are almost too pretty to eat, like Ferrero Rocher eclairs and strawberry crunch cheesecake. He’s been in the business for more than 40 years, learning the craft from his father in Beirut at his family’s French bakery.

After immigrating from Lebanon, he began his first wholesale business, Maurice Pastries, Inc., in 1993, followed by Pastry Xpo Café in 2008 and Eclairons in 2020. His daughter, Maya Srour, now manages Eclairons, bringing a fresh, modern twist on the business that her father and mother started. “I’m very proud of my parents and what they’ve built,” she says, as she heads up operations for Eclairons and her father continues whipping up exquisite pastries and savory snacks.

Srour’s had her eye on opening a location in historic Old Town for years, and she always thought a pastry shop would fit in well here. “I personally always frequented Old Town myself,” she says. “I love being here.” This February, Eclairons opened in the former home of Firehook, continuing the space’s tradition as a bakery and gathering place.

“We were really drawn to the charm, the walkability, and the strong sense of community,” she says. “It has that neighborhood feel that aligns so well with what we try to create at Eclairons, a place where people can slow down, treat themselves, and feel at home. It’s really evident that the community really cares about supporting local small businesses.”

The light and bright space now includes an outdoor patio with flowers and a pergola. The menu isn’t just limited to desserts. This is also a spot to grab a hearty breakfast like avocado toast or egg sandwiches, or a lunchtime sandwich, like ham and cheese or a turkey melt. The family also incorporates their heritage into the menu, bringing in Middle Eastern elements like soujouk (spicy sausage) in a breakfast wrap, spices like cardamom into lattes or za’atar in croissants. Flavors like orange blossom, rosewater, and pistachio also make their way into pastries. “We keep the French technique and foundation, but then try and add a little Lebanese flair,” she says.

Visit Eclairon’s located at 430 S Washington St, Alexandria, VA 22314