Sweet and savory macarons + high tea at new bakery in Port Royal. See what’s on the menu
Tout Sweet Macarons marked the grand opening of its storefront in Port Royal last week, but the business itself isn’t new. It’s just become more convenient for Lowcountry customers who have a hankering for the French confection.
Shannon Gonzales of Beaufort, a military spouse and former banker, has been baking macarons since 2018 and started the business out of her home in the summer of 2019. Her new shop is located at 1420 Ribaut Road.
The bakery case in the bright and cheerful space displays 12 different flavors of made-from-scratch macarons. The flavors rotate on a periodic basis and range from the traditional, such as cookies and creme or salted caramel, to the innovative. Customers who initially raised their eyebrows were won over recently by a Hot Cheeto-flavored macaron, and Gonzales is experimenting with curry flavors for a future offering.
“When you come in, chances are you’re going to see something new every time,” Gonzales said.
Macarons should have a crisp outer shell and a chewy interior that melts in your mouth, she explained. Ideally, they will be eaten at room temperature. They are made with almond flour, so they are naturally gluten-free. They can be frozen for up to six months, though Gonzales said they’ll be better if frozen for no more than two months.
“Macarons are a finicky pastry,” Gonzales said, explaining that the process of making the confections requires a 24-hour resting period to develop their full flavor and best texture. “Education of macarons is a huge pillar of my business. ... We provide storage and education cards.”
Tout Sweet’s macarons are $3 for one, $15 for six or $30 for a dozen.
Menu and high tea service
In addition to macarons, Tout Sweet also sells individual cake slices. The flavors of cake available also rotate based on “whatever we’re in the mood for,” Gonzales said. Lemon blueberry and creme brulee were on the menu recently.
Starting on Saturday mornings in September, Tout Sweet will offer traditional high tea service featuring appetizers and macarons with Bluffton Tea Co.’s tea. Reservations are required.
Gonzales also offers a limited number of prepaid monthly subscription boxes featuring a dozen macarons, and custom orders can be placed with three weeks notice. Shipping is available in the continental states.
The storefront is open Thursday through Saturday, and Gonzales spends Monday through Wednesday baking and managing her business so she can be fully present with her customers when they are in the shop.
Business mentoring
Gonzales is the mother of two daughters ages 6 and 9 and the wife of a Marine formerly stationed in Beaufort but currently at Camp Pendleton in California.
“I’m so blessed we ended up getting orders here. ... This community has been amazing,” Gonzales said. “If it wasn’t for this business, there is no way we would feel comfortable living a split household.”
After navigating her way through starting a home-based business and overcoming myriad roadblocks, Gonzales now mentors other potential entrepreneurs. Many don’t understand the importance of having a business license or are intimidated by the paperwork and bureaucracy involved in getting a home-based business started properly.
She also has partnered with the Marine Corps Community Services to conduct workshops for other military spouses.
“I’ve helped 44 businesses with how to get established,” Gonzales said. “That’s rewarding in a whole different way.”
If you go
What: Tout Sweet Macarons
Address: 1420 Ribaut Road, Suite D, in Port Royal
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday; closed Sunday through Wednesday
Phone: 843-940-7745
Website: www.toutsweetmacarons.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/toutsweetmacarons
Instagram: www.instagram.com/toutsweetmacarons
