Usually when you think of COVID’s effect on a business, it’s in a negative light. But not for Despina Giampilis, owner of La Madame Biscuit. What began as a simple request for fresh cookies from her three-year-old started a modest business in her home kitchen, selling to neighbors, friends and family, and eventually shipping around the country. But as the pandemic hit and the world shut down, Giampilis was surprised at what happened next. “Everyone was shipping ‘get well’ cookies, ‘miss you’ cookies, ‘can’t wait to see you again’ cookies,” she says. With Instagram advertising and word of mouth, La Madame Biscuit took off, and in late 2024 Giampilis finally opened a brick-and-mortar shop. These days, she offers nearly 20 varieties of cookies on a regular rotation, with her top sellers—Simply Chocolate Chip, Folie Funfetti, Salted Chocolate Toffee and PB Protein—always available. “Each flavor is created from a unique recipe,” Giampilis says. “We thrive on creating the most gourmet cookies.” La Madame Biscuit’s sweet treats—best enjoyed with a fresh coffee made in-store with a specialty house blend—are available to order in person, online for pickup or to be shipped anywhere in the US or Canada.
716 E. 4th St., Bethlehem | lamadamebiscuit.com
Published as “Trending Now” in the March 2025 edition of Lehigh Valley Style magazine.
