Congratulations to Joe Gifoli of Gourmet Bake Shop
 for being chosen as the featured bakery by R.B.A.

Gourmet Bake Shop opened its doors on October 7th 1991, 21 years ago. Joe and Judy Gifoli purchased the bakery from Mike Saccente, who operated the business for the prior 6 years. But actually the bakery originally had been established when the property was built in the 1940's, and had several prior owners since then. The prior owners focused mostly on bread and yeast raised products, so when Joe became owner he introduced more of a European cake and pastry product line. The business has evolved and grown over the years, with Joe gradually building and improving the cake business.

The bakery still makes a complete line of scratch breads, rolls, danish, croissants, and puff pastry items. It also makes a full line of butter cookies, Italian cookies and biscotti, miniature pastry, layer cakes, pies, whip cream cakes, as well as birthday and wedding cakes. The bakery has a strong coffee business, with several tables for customers to sit and enjoy a quick hot or cold beverage. And for man's best friend, they even make dog treats. The bakery is a strong supporter of the community and donates product to various religious groups and civic associations throughout the year. The bakery also has a few wholesale accounts as well, but the bulk of the business is retail.

Plans are under way to do a major expansion and remodeling of the store. Recently the bakery leased the space adjacent to it, and will be adding on an additional 600 square feet of retail space, 400 square feet of kitchen space, plus 900 square feet of basement storage. The plans include a larger self serve coffee area, additional refrigeration, additional seating, and more counters and showcases. The renovations are expected to be completed in 2013.

Gourmet Bake Shop

775 Hillside Avenue

New Hyde Park, NY 11040

516-354-3930

 www.gourmetbakeshop.com