NEW YORK — Rudy’s Pastry Shop in Ridgewood, Queens has been serving cookies, pies and more for nearly nine decades.
CBS News New York’s Elle McLogan visited to find out what keeps regulars coming back.
Customers value relationships at Rudy’s, along with tasty treats
For Rudy’s Pastry Shop owner Antonetta “Toni” Binanti, the bakery has always felt like home.
“If I don’t know the name of most of my customers, I know their order,” she said. “And I depend on who comes into my bakery and what I make for that day.”
Originally from a small village in Campania, Italy, she moved to the United States at the age of 13. She started working in the German bakery with her uncle before taking over management. This week Rudy’s celebrates its 90th anniversary.
Regulars come for more than just coffee and pastries.
“It’s not just about the relationship I have with Toni, but the relationship I have with the people in the store,” says customer Luke Robinson. “When you talk to someone and then see someone else walk through the door, and they can wave and say their name, you know you’re in a special place.”
Binanti says Rudy’s recipe for longevity is one part creativity and one part tradition. Despite layout changes over the years, the original floors, doors and rope dispensers have been retained. The staff experiments with new flavors, but certain menu favorites aren’t going anywhere.
“The Danish will never disappear from the menu,” Binanti said. “The Linzer cake is a trademark of Rudy’s.”
The community will celebrate Rudy’s anniversary with food, crafts and performances on Saturday, October 26 from noon to 5 p.m.
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