The Pastry Box

From the Block to the Shop: The Sweet Story of The Pastry Shop

Every great bakery has a story, but ours began when the world felt like it had stopped. The journey of The Pastry Shop is a testament to the power of community, resilience, and the belief that even in the toughest times, there is always room for a little bit of sweetness.

The Pandemic Spark: Sweetness in BedStuy

The year was 2020. As the COVID-19 pandemic settled over New York City, shuttering businesses and isolating neighborhoods, Chef/Owner Tiara Bennett saw an opportunity not for profit, but for joy.

In June 2020, Tiara and her best friend, Venetta Smith, transformed the steps outside of her BedStuy apartment into a pop-up pastry haven. It wasn’t just a place to buy treats; it was a small, safe moment of connection for neighbors craving comfort and community.

“During those isolating months, Tiara’s pop-up became a little beacon of light. The sheer demand for her handcrafted pastries proved that people were hungry not just for sugar, but for something special, something made with love, right there on the block.”

The response was instantaneous and overwhelmingly positive. That modest, block-side operation was more than a temporary fix; it was the proof-of-concept for a much grander dream.

A Dream Realized: The Flagship Bakery

Propelled by the success of the street-side operation, Tiara worked tirelessly to bring her full vision to life. After three years of dedication, that dream officially graduated in June 2023 with the grand opening of The Pastry Shop’s flagship bakery.

Stepping inside our permanent location today is a direct reflection of that original spirit—warm, welcoming, and focused on exceptional quality. But this is just the beginning; we have even grander plans in the works to expand the joy we bring to the community!

Meet Chef Tiara Bennett: Culinary Roots and Michelin Training

The magic behind our pastries is New York native Chef/Owner Tiara Bennett. Her relationship with the kitchen isn’t just professional—it’s lifelong and deeply personal. Growing up, the kitchen was the center of her world, where she learned to combine food with art, adventure, culture, love, and family.

Driven by this deep passion, Tiara pursued formal training at the prestigious International Culinary Center (formerly known as the French Culinary Institute). Following graduation, she honed her skills under the nation’s finest culinary minds, training and working in the rigorous environments of numerous Michelin-starred establishments. This background instills every item we create with both technical excellence and creative flair.

Our Canvas: Classic Favorites Meet Complex Flavors

The Pastry Shop is the ultimate canvas for Chef Tiara’s culinary philosophy. Here, you’ll find:

• Classic Comforts: Perfectly executed favorites that evoke nostalgia and comfort.
• Complex Flavor Profiles: Adventurous combinations that showcase her high-level training and creative spirit.

Every tart, cake, and confection is a balanced blend of disciplined technique and personal innovation. We invite you to taste the difference that passion, professional training, and a whole lot of heart makes.

Ready to Taste the Journey?

We’ve moved from the block to the shop, but our commitment to community and spectacular pastries remains the same. Stop by our new flagship location today!

Where can we take you on your next sweet adventure?

Categories

• Bakery
• Dessert

Features

• Air conditioning
• Appointments
• Delivery
• Handmade
• Instant Purchase
• Natural Ingredients
• Storefront
• Wireless Internet

Regions

• New York, NY

Location