A French bakery opening. A mob movie bringing Brier Hill back to life. Pizza donations that warm the heart. And a Youngstown native redefining sleepwear in Paris. Welcome to your catch-up.
It’s not every day that two classically trained bakers from the South of France find themselves in the Mahoning Valley. But brothers Marc and Alain Pisan have done just that—bringing with them a lifetime of experience, a family legacy, and a vision both rooted in tradition and fresh with purpose.
Their journey began in coastal Provence, where generations of their family worked as artisanal bakers. Surrounded by the scent of warm loaves and the daily rhythm of breadmaking, Marc and Alain fell in love with the craft early. It was less a career path and more an inheritance—one they would carry across continents.
In the early 1990s, Alain and his wife Renee planted roots in Northeast Ohio, opening Renee’s French Bakery in Canfield and the French Street Café in Niles. Both quickly became local favorites, introducing the community to French baking that was thoughtful, consistent, and full of heart. Later, the brothers reunited on the West Coast, opening Chloe’s French Café in Santa Rosa—a Sonoma County staple for over 16 years.
Now, with Cerise Stone Mill Baking Company, they’ve come full circle—returning to the Youngstown area with a new concept that draws on decades of experience while embracing a modern, regional sensibility. The bakery mills its own organic grains in-house, sourced from Ohio farms, and bakes fresh daily. Croissants, baguettes, canelés, and seasonal specialties are made the old-fashioned way—slowly and with intention.
At Cerise, every pastry tells a story—of heritage, craft, and two brothers who never forgot where they came from.
Open to the public:
Thursday, Friday, Saturday
7:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (or until sold out!)
📍 3500 Canfield Rd, Youngstown, OH 44511
📲 Follow along: @cerisebaking
There’s a movie in the works about Youngstown’s legendary Italian neighborhood—and the mob that once ruled it. Titled Brier Hill, the film is already turning heads with its gritty, nostalgic visuals: thick collars, big hair, red Cadillacs, and that unmistakable 1970s Youngstown edge.
Whether the performances deliver remains to be seen—but the stills alone are cinematic gold. Everything on set looks like a page torn from the past, right down to the vintage cars and smoky bars. The tagline says it all: "We're not just making a movie—we're bringing Youngstown, 1977, back to life."
The story centers on two young characters falling in love amid a world of power plays, family ties, and neighborhood codes. It’s part crime drama, part love story—and entirely rooted in a time and place that still looms large in the city’s identity.
There’s talk of a possible premiere here in Youngstown, and if it happens, it’s bound to be a night to remember.
📲 Follow along at @brierhillmovie on Instagram or @brier.hill.the.mo on TikTok
Some stories stick with you—not because they’re flashy, but because they’re rooted in something real.
While many small businesses are quietly weathering their hardest seasons yet, Avalon Downtown continues to show up—with generosity, gratitude, and a deep sense of community. This summer, the beloved Federal Street pizzeria donated 150 pizzas to support the annual St. Patrick’s Church Festival—an act of kindness that’s become a tradition.
We spoke with owner Anne Sabella, who shared the story behind the gesture—and why it means more than most people realize.
“I’ve been making donations for the last six years,” Anne told us. “The former priest of the church is a friend. I had helped him in the past, and he wanted to return the favor by buying pizzas from my business. Years ago, when he asked for the pizza bill, I told him they were all on us.”
That moment left a mark.
“He choked up and thanked me,” Anne said. “And since then, I’ve kept it going.”
This year, the Avalon team started their day at 6 a.m. and had all 150 pizzas made by 11. It took six people, a lot of dough, and a shared commitment to something bigger than business.
But for Anne and her team, it’s never just about food—it’s about showing up for a community that’s always shown up for them.
“We’ve experienced hardships beyond our control these last few years,” she shared. “We understand how important it is to be kind, to help one another when we’re able. We’ve been humbled and blessed by our community. Without their support, we wouldn’t have a business.”
In a city known for grit, it’s easy to forget the tenderness that lives underneath. But stories like this remind us: Youngstown isn’t just tough—it’s generous. It’s grounded. And it’s built on small, everyday acts of care that hold us together.
📍 Stop by Avalon Downtown at 17 W Federal Street
📲 Follow along: @avalondowntown
Sometimes, big dreams start in small places — and for Youngstown native Brooke Larney, that held true.
Brooke, along with co-founder Amy McDermott, created BED, an elevated pajama-meets-athleisure line that set out to change the way we think about sleepwear. What started as a simple question — Why shouldn’t sleepwear feel as chic as your favorite outfit? — turned into a mission to make bedtime stylish, comfortable, and wearable beyond the bedroom.
Now based in Paris, Brooke is a compelling example of how a Youngstown girl, grounded in grit and vision, can quietly redefine style on a global stage.
She noticed something missing: the sleepwear aisle felt stuck in the past. Together with Amy, Brooke helped create BED as an answer to that gap — designing pieces that blend effortless polish with comfort, made for more than just sleep. Yes, BED is brunch-approved.
Every detail — from the subtle piping to the rich tones of Midnight and Bordeaux — reflects a style that’s as intentional as it is relaxed.
Brooke credits her hometown for fueling her drive:
“I have a lot of grit from growing up there and a lot of confidence… it taught me to work hard and that you can get whatever you want.”
If you have a big idea, let being from Youngstown be the fuel—not the limit. This is your sign to chase it, wherever it takes you.
We believe it.
Follow along: bedsleepwear.com | @maisonbedsleepwear