Community donates to struggling Harlem bakery: ‘Legacy of love’
By Emily Rahhal,
1 days ago
HARLEM, N.Y. (PIX11) – With operating costs up and foot traffic down in Harlem, the owners of Make My Cake are making a plea to their community for help.
Locals have already chipped in nearly $8,000 on a GoFundMe for the bakery with locations on Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd and West 125th Street.
But Make My Cake’s owners say the eatery needs $50,000 to address COVID-19 loan and credit card debt, make repairs and bring back community programs like barista training and baking workshops.
“Our loyal customers are already stepping up to support us. We invite you to join them in this effort to keep our bakery alive. Your donations mean more than just financial help—they represent the love and support of our community,” Make My Cake’s owners wrote on GoFundMe.
The bakery started out of a home and eventually grew to two locations in Harlem serving up decadent family recipes like their acclaimed red velvet.
“For over 25 years, Make My Cake has been more than just a bakery; it’s been a sweet spot in our community, where we celebrate life’s moments with delicious desserts inspired by our beloved matriarch, Josephine Smith,” the owners said.
The family-owned bakery has “set the baking world on fire,” with its creations earning acclaim from the Food Network and the New York Times, according to its website.
“The national exposure has served to affirm the success of our beloved Ma Smith,” the owners said. “Our cakes, from the rich Red Velvet to the classic Sweet Potato Cheesecake, carry the legacy of love, tradition, and our Southern roots.”
Small businesses around the country are significantly struggling with inflation, increased operating costs and rising insurance costs, according to the National Federation of Independent Business.
In a recent Bank of America survey, 70% of business owners said inflation was their greatest concern for the upcoming year, in addition to the political environment, interest rates and recession.
Emily Rahhal is a digital reporter who has covered New York City since 2023 after reporting in Los Angeles for years. She joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of her work here and follow her on Twitter here .
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
I thought they had closed. I know about the one on Adam Clayton Powell.. I remember when they were on 110th Street. I believe that was the original store. I bought all of my event cakes from them. I hope they receive the amount they need and more 🙏🏾
Sprinkles
9h ago
Their stuff is not good and it's boxed cake mix anyway
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