New Westfield Business Celebrates Soft Opening Today

Shoppers will feel as if they've been transported to Tuscany without needing a passport when Westfield couple Patricia Hanigan and Paul Mecca open the doors to their new Elm Street venture: Patricia & Paul Artisans of Fine Oils and Balsamics at 11 a.m. today.

Hanigan, who has an undergraduate and a master's degree in nutrition, said the concept of healthy eating has always been important to her. After reading Tom Mueller's 'The Extra Virginity: the Sublime and Scandalous World of Olive Oil' she became more intrigued than ever by oils and balsamics.

"Reading this book and understanding the health aspects of olive oil, I really did my research to find the perfect purveyor," she said. 

All of Patricia & Paul's oils and balsamics come from the award-winning, California-based Veronica Foods. Forty stainless steel fustis (pronounced foo-stee-s) filled with high-quality yet affordable oils and balsamics line the custom-made cabinets created by fellow Westfielder Russell Heard. Hanigan explained the most popular is the Tuscan extra virgin olive oil, which is excellent for dipping, dressings, or marinades. 

"One that seems to wow everyone because it’s unexpected in the balsamics is the chocolate," said the business owner. "What’s nice is with the balsamics you can do half chocolate and half raspberry. We have a cinnamon pear that you can put on ice cream. It's delicious. There's even a red apple."

Patrons will receive recipe cards offering them helpful hints on how to use the oils and balsamics. Hanigan also plans to host evening events at the store to give customers some fresh ideas on how to use her products.

"What I want to do at night time is have featured chefs so they can do some demonstrations using the oils or a night where a dietician comes in and explains the benefits of olive oil over butter and do some tastings," she explained.  

Hanigan previously worked in the food service industry for Aramark, running large cafeterias and executive dining rooms, before serving as managing director for the Northeast for Federal Express where she ran 167 stores and oversaw 1,200 employees.

"This is a nice combination of my food service background as well as my retail background plus the nutritional aspect. I think it’s well-suited for me," she said. 

Making her first solo venture that much sweeter is that Hanigan has opened it in her hometown. Raised off of Lawrence Avenue, the entrepreneur said she couldn't be happier with the warm welcome fellow Westfield business owners have given her and her husband. Next door neighbor Guiseppe DiPietro, chef at Ferraro's, told the couple he would feature some of their oils at his restaurant. Hanigan said the Boyles of 16 Prospect St. Wine Bar & Bistro have also introduced themselves and offered to share the store's information with patrons.

"The local community has been wonderful," said Hanigan. Mecca, raised in Scotch Plains, agreed. 

In addition to the oils and balsamics, all available for tasting, the shop also boasts a wide array of items sure to make it a frequent destination for foodies. From fresh pastas and jams, to cookbooks and the sea salts that made Oprah's Favorite Things list, Hanigan said she has had a wonderful time filling the store with unique finds that make perfect gifts.

"When you’re first starting you’re putting in things that excite you and hoping others will feel the same way. I look forward to continuing to source a lot of new products and keep it fun so it’s not always the same,” said Hanigan, who eventually hopes to have a “handful” of stores.

Shoppers can customize their gift baskets but Hanigan will also have plenty of pre-packaged goodies wrapped and ready for purchase.

"Literally, the car can be running and the wife can run in and grab a bag and go," said Hanigan, who offers oil and balsamic pairings as shower and wedding favors. 

Moms and dads can browse stress-free while little shoppers enjoy a turn in 'The Olive You Kitchen,' something Hanigan created to give parents "a little quiet time." 

Oils and balsamics are sold in three sizes 200 ml, 375 ml and 750 ml and start at around $12 a bottle. All come in dark, glass bottles to ensure freshness.

One of the things Hanigan said she loves most about her new business is that "it's been a friends and family endeavor." From helping her fill the fustis to hanging decorations, Hanigan said she is grateful to have the support of so many. Even the couple's 15-year-old daughter looks forward to learning the business, they noted.

"It truly took a team," Hanigan said. "Paul comes from a large family. All of our friends and my friends from church have helped. That’s what’s made it exciting for me; I love that fact."

Speaking of help, Hanigan and Mecca are looking to hire a full-time assistant manager who is able to work weekends and evenings. All interested applicants should stop in 20 Elm Street to fill out an application between the hours of 11-7 Tuesday through Friday.

Patricia & Paul Artisans of Fine Oils and Balsamics, located at 20 Elm St., is open Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. and Tuesday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The store is closed Mondays. For more information, call 908-232-EVOO.