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Local Business Update: Duane Park Patisserie
First the good news: There are Ring Dings galore still in stock at Duane Park Patisserie, and the bakery is operating and waiting for shoppers or deliveries. (I stopped by to get “some for my nephews,” if you know what I mean, so I have to get more today.) The hours are 8a to 5p, and Madeline Lanciani reports that there’s been quite a lot of shipping in the past couple of days.
But the numbers tell a different story. Madeline laid off nine employees last week, bringing her staff of 13 to 4. As of this week, she is down to two part-time bakers, one person in the front for pickups and shipping, and her. In good times, her revenue is 60 percent events – birthdays, special events, supplying caterers – and that is 100 percent gone. The other 40 percent is walk-ins, and those have dwindled to about a quarter of the usual traffic. The math is bleak.
“That’s how I have always stayed in business all these years – it’s always just worked,” said Madeline, who opened on Duane Park 28 years ago, in 1992. “Now there are no parties, no events, and three-quarters of the neighborhood is gone. I would know – I see everybody every day.”
She’s run the numbers – and run them again – for best- and worst-case scenarios. In the best, this is over in a few weeks and online orders from neighbors keep the business afloat over that time. The worst has this week’s receipts continuing this way till the end of June. In that case, she will need considerable assistance from government or will have to close the shop.
“I’m an optimist, and I am hoping people are still in shock and are not going out,” she said. “Maybe there’s some hope that people will settle down and think, ‘I could use a treat.’ I hope then that they will order from people like me.”
So a thought: find a reason to celebrate, even if it’s small. And get yourself a treat.
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Thank you for your efforts. Can you please do one of these on Gee Whiz Diner? Peter and all the staff there are the nicest and we are thinking of them (and bought gift certificates!). Stay safe and healthy.
Please keep these small business profiles going! Will definitely plan on supporting these local businesses including Duane Park Patisserie.
Thanks for letting us know. It doesn’t get any more local small business than DPP, I am going tomorrow to load up on sweets and treats for the kids and doormen. I wasn’t planning on it (I didn’t even realize they made the cut of essential biz) but will definitely make it happen a few times a week
stopped in to “get some for my nephews”…lol I totally know what your sayin’
Huge fan of DPP. Their raspberry chocolate cake is “UHHH-Maaa-zing” (sing it in Oprah-voice)
driftdiary@yahoo.com
Madeline is most hardworking
warmest hearted person on
Duane St. if she is forced to
close it will be an unpardonable
tragedy for the whole neighborhood.
thank you all- each and everyone of you- for your support in these trying times!
thank you Pam for this feature today and letting the community know we are still here. i am planning to add a few more things like brioche rolls and loaves and foccaccia for sandwiches and toast-stay tuned for announcement of what we are making.
follow us on FB/IG @duaneparkpatisserie and @ringdingbar
i think there is a hashtag: #wereallinthistogether.
xoxoxo from the top and bottom of my heart.
i live and work in an exceptional community/village!
Madeline, What a great idea. Let us know when the breads are available, and we’ll take some, along with hot cross buns!
Madeline used to make some sort of small fritatta which i loved!
I agree! please publicize those of us left to feed the neighbor
Thank you to all so special and one&only small business they make our neighbors an extension our home. And thanks to a Tribeca Citizen for letting us know. Keep going Madeline, with your hardworking ???? and the best double choc ???? #weareinthisalltogether
Yum! Ate too many carbs but yummmm
Thanks Madeline for being there. We will continue to support you.