Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy
BKLYN MACS debuted a few weeks back at 438 E. Ninth St. between Avenue A and First Avenue.
The husband-and-wife founders, Brooklyn natives Gene (pictured above) and Rebecca, serve "macaron-inspired desserts" and beverages (including Partners Coffee from Brooklyn).
Per the business website: "We've mastered and improved the classic French technique of macaronage to create the ideal macaron cookie shells — a balance between crunchy and chewy..."
Gene said that so far, the best-sellers from the rotating selection of 30-plus macarons include pistachio, fruity cereal, Mexican hot chocolate, and dulce le leche. (They also offer custom-printed macarons.)
The hours are Sunday-Wednesday 1-9 p.m., Thursday 1-10 p.m., and Friday-Saturday 1-11 p.m.
In 2019, the two quit their corporate jobs and launched Phivi Marketplace, an e-commerce events platform, before pivoting to desserts during the pandemic.
9 comments:
I walked past here on Thanksgiving morning from my volunteer shift. The owner who stood near the doorway as it was raining offered me a cup of hot chocolate. I just wanted to get home but thanked him anyway. His kindness impressed me. I need to stop by soon and purchase some yummy treats.
We already have an INCREDIBLE fresh-baked goods spot that also has a wide range of macaroons. It's right next door, at 440 East Ninth. It's called CONFECTIONARY.
I don't begrudge anyone starting a new business, but couldn't they have found another location that doesn't step on the feet of an already established and BELOVED business?
Confectionary is 100% vegan and not everyone likes vegan macaroons. I believe Bklyn Macs makes them the traditional french way, which is what most people are accustomed to.
Really?
Well, if their "macs" are so wonderful, WHY are they resorting to coaxing customers waiting on line at CONFECTIONARY to come into their copycat spot??
Today, a very cold day, CONFECTIONARY was packed with customers (including me!) and the interloper next door was EMPTY, reminding me of the deli that opened up next door to RAY's at 7th + Avenue A, hoping to steal his customers.
Every night, Ray had a long line waiting to be served, while the deli was empty. $300k later, the deli threw in the towel and we still have RAY's.
The same thing will happen on 9th Street....
I agree with this; Confectionery is a community staple and—I believe— has a loyal following. I'm not likely to ever set foot in BKLYN MACS because they're not vegan—whereas Maresa, Lagusta, and the crew are staunchly vegan and everything in their store is vegan as well.
The one business that had success with the "close competition" strategy was Commodities on 1st Avenue, which opened a few blocks from Prana Foods on 1st avenue between 7th and St. Mark's. Bruce, the owner of Prana, had landlord troubles, and problems with the building itself; he was ultimately forced to close, leaving Commodities—originally located in Tribeca—the "winner."
They closed a couple of years ago; IMO, there are no winners here.
Chris Flash wrote: "Well, if their "macs" are so wonderful, WHY are they resorting to coaxing customers waiting on line at CONFECTIONARY to come into their copycat spot??"
Because pulling them in manually with a cane—as shop-owners did in the 19th century—is illegal!
@Thomas—Maresa Volante veganized the "traditional" French macaron—not "macaroon," BTW. Your comment reads—"Some of us crave eggs and dairy—sinning tastes better than being virtuous."
Not everyone is a vegan. Probably more are not than they are. Why do you need to pass your judgment on others? Thomas didn’t insult you, why do you resort to that level? Doesn’t make Confectionery look any better…
If you feel this way, why do you feel so threatened by the new business? I just don’t think it makes Confectionery look that good when their customers are bullying a new business. Your tactics might backfire on them 🤷🏼♂️
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