Behind the Business: Bon Appetit Gourmet Shoppe & Gifts
It all started with one really sweet dream. Bon Appetit Gourmet Shoppe & Gifts has been a part of the downtown Hillsboro business landscape since it opened its doors in August of 2012.
Co-owned and operated by Joe Mahan and Helen Walton, Bon Appetit prides itself in being a unique addition to the Highland County food scene. The concept is simple: keep it local and keep it delicious. It succeeds in doing just that. From fine chocolates, and spicy barbeque sauces, to vintage antiques and modern jewelry, Bon Appetit brings a unique shopping experience to Hillsboro.
Walking into Bon Appetit, you are greeted by the heavenly aroma of warm vanilla, caramel and chocolate, and you are instantly transported back to your childhood. No matter what your age, you will have that feeling of a "kid in a candy shop" and find yourself zipping around the store looking at chocolates, taffy, old fashioned candy and soda pop.
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Once you get past the initial candy section of the store, you'll find unique barbecue sauces, hot sauces, gravy and dip mixes, soups and more. As you maneuver to the back end of the store, you'll find primitives and antiques. During my stint, I was delighted to see an "I Dream of Jeannie" Barbie doll in its original case and a 1950s refrigerator.
Going by their "buy local" roots, Bon Appetit makes it a priority to stock as many locally made items as possible. Owner Joe Mahan calls it his "ripple.” First, buy it from Hillsboro. If you can't find it in Hillsboro, buy it in Highland County. If it isn't in Highland County, buy it from Ohio. If it isn't made in Ohio, buy it from the USA. The staff at Bon Appetit travel to artisan craft fairs in Ohio and have anywhere from five to 25 local artists’ creations on sale at any given time.
The main goal of the store is to offer unique items that aren't found in your typical grocery aisle. Tired of the "same old, same old?” Are you looking for something different? There's no need to travel to Cincinnati or Dayton to shop at a mega-store owned by people thousands of miles away just to end up with the same bland-tasting meals your neighbors are fixing. By shopping at Bon Appetit, you get delicious food and hometown customer service, all at a great low price.
Behind the Business is a part of the Chamber’s new Buy Local campaign. Interested in having your business featured? Please call Stormi Bledsoe at 937-393-1111 or email info@thehighlandchamber.com.