Zaro’s Family Bakery: A Sweet Tradition
Brian, Scott, and Michael Zaro own Zaro’s Family Bakery, with several locations throughout NYC and New Jersey.
A Century-Old Bakery
There are many successful bakeries in NYC, but Zaro’s stands out as one that has lasted for nearly a century, thanks to delicious treats, friendly staff, and family tradition.
A Quaint Sweet Shop in Grand Central Terminal
Zaro’s Family Bakery is a quaint sweet shop anchored in Manhattan’s bustling Grand Central Terminal. Open since 1927, this family-owned and operated business specializes in breads, snacks, and desserts. It offers an array of bagels, pastries, cookies, and more treats that even a New Yorker with the pickiest sweet tooth would likely enjoy.
Their Signature Items
“The items that we’re most well-known for are our black-and-white cookies, challah bread, and rugelach,” fourth-generation owner Scott Zaro explained. “A new item that I love, that is near and dear to me, is our salted pretzel.”
A History of Baking
The bakery also offers a wholesale line of classic baked goods to local stores. Zaro shared the deep history of how his family started the successful baking business in the Roaring 1920s, at a time when Calvin Coolidge was U.S. President and the national economy boomed ahead of the Great Depression.
Passing Down the Tradition
“My great-grandfather came over from Poland through Ellis Island. He brought his Old World recipes with him and moved into what we call a double-decker in the Bronx,” said Zaro, who owns the shop with his brothers Michael and Brian. “The upper level was for sleeping and the lower level was for baking.”
Today’s Operations
Zaro’s has 14 locations throughout NYC and New Jersey, but its Track 34 location in Grand Central Terminal is the flagship location. It’s prime real estate as approximately 600,000 people travel through the area daily. During the holiday season, that number can increase to nearly 1 million.
Conclusion
Zaro’s Family Bakery has been a staple in the NYC community for nearly 100 years, offering a sense of local and world history, too. Through massive world events, world wars, depressions, good times and bad times, the shop has managed to continue through all of those and add something special for people no matter what’s happening in the world.
FAQs
Q: What makes Zaro’s Family Bakery stand out?
A: Zaro’s stands out as one that has lasted for nearly a century, thanks to delicious treats, friendly staff, and family tradition.
Q: What are the bakery’s signature items?
A: The items that we’re most well-known for are our black-and-white cookies, challah bread, and rugelach.
Q: Where can I find Zaro’s Family Bakery locations?
A: Zaro’s has 14 locations throughout NYC and New Jersey, but its Track 34 location in Grand Central Terminal is the flagship location.
Q: Can I find Zaro’s baked goods at local stores?
A: Yes, the bakery also offers a wholesale line of classic baked goods to local stores.
Q: How long has Zaro’s been in business?
A: Zaro’s has been in business for nearly 100 years.
Q: Can I visit Zaro’s Family Bakery?
A: Yes, you can visit Zaro’s Family Bakery at its Track 34 location in Grand Central Terminal or at one of its other 13 locations throughout NYC and New Jersey.
Q: Where can I find more information about Zaro’s Family Bakery?
A: For more information, including locations, visit zaro.com.
