By Amelia Leone '24 and Matilda Cox '24
It’s safe to say that everyone has been affected by COVID-19. While we face our own troubles during this time, we must come together to support one another. As the pandemic surges and restrictions constrain operating hours, small businesses continue to suffer. Supporting small businesses is one way consumers can help our community overcome this health crisis.
That is why we’ve compiled a list of great brands and restaurants to support, and we encourage you to check them out!
Sugar Sweet Sunshine Bakery
Sugar Sweet Sunshine is a cozy bakery nested in Essex Market. Owners Peg Williams and Deb Weiner opened an idea for a 1970s-themed bakery and opened their store in 2003. While Sugar Sweet Sunshine offers a range of delicious desserts, including cupcakes, layer cakes, and pies, what sets this bakery apart is its comfortable and homey atmosphere. Both owners, in a leap of faith, quit their other jobs to open the store and decorated the store with used furniture from their own homes. One of the main hopes when building the bakery was to create a sense of community for customers, and Sugar Sweet Sunshine accomplishes just that. Check out their tasty treats at The New Essex St. Market on 88 Essex Street (only a ten-minute walk from NEST+m).
Zatar Cafe & Bistro
Zatar is a Mediterranean and Middle Eastern restaurant that offers a range of meals from traditional cultural dishes to soups, burgers, sandwiches, brunch options, and flatbreads. Currently, Zatar is hosting indoor dining, as well as take-out and delivery. Try their delicious food at their store in Bushwick at 1294 Myrtle Ave or in Park Slope at 1201 8th Ave.
Four and Twenty Blackbirds
This renowned pie counter is pretty popular among Brooklyn locals and a place that many New Yorkers have come to love. They carry many different pies including but most certainly not limited to salt honey, black bottom oat, lavender honey custard, lemon chess, and even matcha pie. They have tons of items to choose from that are all handmade and practically have as much appeal to the eye as to the mouth. Four and Twenty Blackbirds has gift cards as well. If you want to purchase anything from their exclusive store, visitbirdsblack.com.
Books Are Magic
This cozy bookstore offers everything from classics to children’s novels and hosts activities such as readings and storytimes almost every day of the week. Husband-and-wife owners Emma Straub and Michael Fusco-Straub live in Cobble Hill, where the store is located. Whether it is getting book recommendations from the staff or reading in a cozy nook, this adorable store will make you feel right at home. Instead of purchasing books online or from a large chain, support this small business at 225 Smith Street.
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