Sugar Sketch has closed on 2nd Street

Sugar Sketch, the bakery-cake shop on Second Street, has closed. A for-rent sign now hangs on the storefront between Avenue A and Avenue B. (Thank you to Salim for the photo!)

There's no mention of a closure on the Sugar Sketch website or social media properties.

Last spring, owner-baker Martina Nardo closed the space to retail business (though walk-ins with small orders were welcome), focusing on her catering operation instead.

The small bakery opened here in the fall of 2016. You can read our Q&A with Nardo here.

Sugar Sketch closes storefront to focus on catering and special orders

Sugar Sketch, the bakery-cake shop on Second Street between Avenue A and Avenue B, has changed its method of operation starting this week. Owner-baker Martina Nardo explains in this letter posted on the shop's social media accounts (and front door):



So, as you can see, for now Sugar Sketch will focus on the catering end of the business. You can contact the shop via their website here.

The small bakery opened here in the fall of 2016. You can read our Q&A with Nardo here.

At Sugar Sketch, a new bakery on 2nd Street

Photos and interview by Stacie Joy

Sugar Sketch opened earlier this fall at 172 E. Second St. between Avenue A and Avenue B. I recently stopped by the bakery to speak with Martina Nardo, owner and cake designer.


[Owner Martina Nardo]

Where did the name Sugar Sketch come from?

Sugar Sketch started as a cake design shop. I launched the company in 2013, and I was only taking orders online. I would rent kitchens around the city to bake and assemble my cakes. Before it became Sugar Sketch, the name was Cakely Ever After, but it was never finalized with an LLC, so it never became an official name. Also, clients were having a lot of trouble spelling it, and I would miss many emails because of this.

I came up with the name Sugar Sketch with the help of one of my best friends, writer Richard Lopez. When thinking of a name, we focused on the process involved in making a decorated cake: after discussing a theme with my clients, I usually make two or three sketches, each with a different technique, to give my clients several options in pricing. Once the client approves a sketch, I make it into a cake. “Sugar Sketch” came from this concept.

You’ve been in business since 2013. What made you decide to open a storefront business in the East Village now?

Two years ago I started working at Pip’s Place as a cake decorator. Pip’s was a great gluten-free bakery on the Upper East Side with truly delicious gluten-free treats. After a few months working there, Denise [the owner of Pip’s Place] and I decided to join forces and offer fondant-decorated gluten-free cakes.

I moved my tools into her second location in Murray Hill and together we launched this new idea. Pip’s Place baked gluten-free cake layers, and Sugar Sketch decorated them. At the new studio, I would decorate by the window, which attracted a lot of attention from people walking by. Within six months, orders had increased drastically, and I realized the importance of having a store front.

In July 2015, Denise decided to leave the food industry behind to take on new adventures, and I decided to open a storefront on my own. Gluten-free baking is very different from regular baking, and I didn’t feel comfortable offering a product I hadn’t had a lot of experience with, and that’s why I switched back to my own recipes, which are not gluten free. However, we are now working on a few gf flavors to expand our menu, and we hope to be able to include them by next year. Of course, I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone who has Celiac disease, because Sugar Sketch is no longer certified gluten free.


[Counterperson and barista Bria Staley]

How has the process of opening a local small business been for you?

The past year has been incredible. It is without a doubt the hardest and most exciting project I have ever taken on, and although some days present challenges that seem too big to face, I am very proud of how I’m handling it all, and very excited about the future of Sugar Sketch.

This year has taught me a lot about myself; I believe it has been one of the most informative years of my life and I am looking forward to transforming and growing along with this business. Manhattan is definitely challenging — expenses are high, and New Yorkers are quite skeptical, but I am determined to make my way into their hearts! I truly believe that with consistency, determination, and very hard work anything can be accomplished.

This entire year wouldn’t have been possible without a strong team; I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for them. And of course, none of this would be possible without the endless support of my mom — she’s been my biggest fan from day one, witnessing and supporting my various breakdowns as well as all the happy moments, and I am so very grateful to have her by my side.

Sugar Sketch is the result of eight long years of endless hours in the kitchen, various chefs screaming and throwing silverware around, and many, many burnt croissants and deflated macaroons. I think the most important thing is to keep moving forward, learning from my mistakes and, most important, being open to changing, adjusting, and aiming to be better than the day before. I try to do this not only with my product, but also with the business itself. Biggest lesson I learned is to never take things personally and never become too attached to any given structure. Things will change for the better, and it’s important to keep an open mind.

What has been the reaction so far from the neighborhood?

The East Village is the best neighborhood! I really couldn’t have found a better location. The entire block has been incredibly warm and friendly and welcoming me to the neighborhood with flowers, cards, messages, and balloons. It is the first time since I moved to the States 12 years ago that I feel like I am truly a part of a community, and it is magical. I feel safe here, and at home.

You were born and raised in Italy. How is NYC different than Rome when it comes to pastries? How is it similar?

The biggest difference I have found between NYC and Rome is the amount of sugar used in desserts. I don’t love really sweet desserts, and my goal when I first launched Sugar Sketch was to offer a product that wasn’t too sweet. I have been adjusting my recipes for years, and I am always moving forward and thinking of new ways to improve my desserts. I have received a lot of feedback the past few weeks on this, and I am very happy to hear people are noticing this difference and enjoying it.







The Sugar Sketch hours are:
Monday - Closed
Tuesday-Thurssday — 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday — 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday — 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday — noon to 8 p.m.

Find Sugar Sketch on Instagram here

Sugar Sketch setting up shop on East 2nd Street

Sugar Sketch, a bakery (cakery per the sign), is coming soon to the empty storefront at 172 E. Second St. between Avenue A and Avenue B...



Here's more about the proprietor from the Sugar Sketch website:

Martina Nardo has been a Pastry Chef and Cake Designer for the past six years in New York City. Born and raised in Rome, Italy, her passion for both food and art stems from her heritage. Her grandmother taught her to appreciate the simplicity of Italian cuisine, its flavors, and the cultural value associated with it. Her mother – a graphic designer and illustrator – has played a major influence encouraging her to apply creativity towards her cakes making them true works of art.

Upon receiving her BA in Psychology from the New School, she began her studies of the Culinary Arts at the Institute of Culinary Education and finished her studies with a degree in Cake Designs and Techniques at The French Culinary Institute in NYC. After working in several kitchen settings throughout Manhattan, Martina launched Sugar Sketch in 2013.

She has been making cakes, cupcakes and cookies by order... this will be the first retail space.

H/T EVG reader Ronnie!