Gustave

As a boy in Belfort, France, Karim Mashmour would sneak a bite of the family’s fresh baguette on the way home from the local boulangerie. Though it annoyed his dad, it made him grin and inspired a love for making bread. Little did he know that years later, he and his wife, Ibtissam “Sam” Lhadi, an expert chef born in Morocco, would bring nostalgic French flavors to their boulangerie, Gustave Boulangerie and Brasserie, a widely cherished community gathering spot for neighbors of Del Ray.  

When Karim and Ibtissam looked for a spot for Gustave Boulangerie, they were drawn to Del Ray for its camaraderie and community spirit. “We chose Del Ray because it’s a family neighborhood and we wanted Gustave to be a family gathering place with a distinctly French way of being,” said Karim. After opening, they quickly created a welcoming environment that resonated with locals. Their success led them to open Gustave Le Jardin, a family-friendly beer and wine garden with a bocce court. Gustave Le Jardin soon became so popular that it won the 2025 Heart of Del Ray Award, decided by community vote. At the dog-friendly location, you’ll find locals enjoying morning coffee, neighbors chatting, and children playing nearby. Karim and Ibtissam bring warmth to their food and foster a culture of uplifting communities.