I put the Amy in Amy's Bread
Since 1992 Amy's freshly baked bread has been a staple of the neighborhood, and all of New York, at that. With now several bakeries throughout the city, the birth of Amy's Bread was right here on 9th avenue in Hell's Kitchen.
What's your story and how did you end up being such a staple in Hell's Kitchen?
I put the Amy in Amy’s Bread! I love to be in a bakery, and I love baking, but when I am not there I love plants and adore gardening. I also enjoy travel, dining out in the fabulous restaurants of NYC, and going to all the art museums in the city. I’m a big fan of Central Park and living in the neighborhood allows me close proximity to runs and walks all over the Park. It’s an oasis in this big city.
I have lived in Hell’s Kitchen since 1985. While I was working in my first job in NYC I needed an apartment, and the father of my boss owned a building in HK. The apartments were small and basic, but the rent was reasonable, so I was in! I used to walk on 10th Ave to work every day because our office was on 10th Ave and 36th Street. Later when I went to culinary school, I started walking on Ninth Ave and fell in love with all the small storefronts, and I dreamed of one day having my own café or restaurant along there. Five years later, my dream became Amy’s Bread on Ninth Ave between 46th and 47th Streets.
After 11 years in the small apartment near 10th Ave, I moved up to an apartment on the nicer part of our street and have lived there ever since.
What got you started baking and how do you keep the passion alive?
I really wanted to start my own business. My vision went from being a restaurant, to a café, to just a bread bakery, which is what I opened in 1992. After a few years of selling mainly bread, we added a sit-down café with breakfast and lunch, excellent espresso and delicious cakes.
I keep going because I love being part of the NYC food culture and I enjoy meeting customers that appreciate what we do. It’s very gratifying to make a tangible product in a world of intangible goods and services. It’s slow food and it’s local. I am very proud that we make everything right here in NYC with local people that live here too. My husband runs the business with me today and together we navigate the challenges of running a small business. That keeps me going too!
What's the secret ingredient to Hell's Kitchen?
I have always loved the fact that we are so close to the Theater District with all the amazing shows, we have Central Park to the north, the fantastic paths along the river to the west, and a real neighborhood of people in the middle that care about our community. My son went to public school on West 48th Street, and the school community was fantastic. I always knew that people from this neighborhood needed a good bakery and they have been very supportive. It’s easy to go almost anywhere in the city from here and that is a bonus! Every subway stops around this area.
Any anecdotes to share from the 30 year history of Amy's Bread?
We're committed to opening our store no matter the circumstanes. I once cross country skiied down Ninth Ave so we could open in a snow storm. We have made coffee on a camp stove and sold cakes and cookies during a blackout and all throughout the pandemic we were open every day! We never miss a chance to connect to the people of our neighbohrood, and they were very grateful. It gives us prupose!
“JUST WALK WEST OF EIGHTH AVE AND YOU'LL FIND SO MANY OPTIONS FROM AROUND THE WORLD. IT'S A MELTING POT.”
So...what are the local spots?
Amy’s Bread is my ultimate favorite because I can get great coffee, great food, and I love the staff. I go there much more than anywhere else for obvious reasons!
Westerly Natural Market: The only place to buy food, groceries, produce, etc in the neighborhood. The traditional grocery stores are so dull. Westerly has organic, natural food and it’s unique and interesting. They pack so many items in to that small store. It’s fantastic.
Ippudo: excellent Ramen, worth the wait which can be long at times. Cool, sleek space too.
Dolly Varden: Casual spot for a drink, a snack, a selection of beers, cocktails and wine.
Norma: Nice Italian restaurant in the neighborhood.
B Side: I love this place because the pizza is good, but they also have a big selection of delicious green things like salads, sauteed veggies, etc. I’m a big fan of vegetables and you never get them with pizza. It’s the best of both worlds!
The Beer Store next to Vintner across from us on Ninth Ave: They have a huge selection of local beers that are chilled, to stay or go, and they can tell you about every kind. There are so many fun beers to try, for any taste.
5 Napkin Burger: our go to burger place for take out of eat in. They are big and decadent, a splurge on a burger, but they live up to the name. Very messy and delicious.
Marseille: Great French spot in the area and good for pre-theater.
Becco: We like to go here when we have visitors from out of town. The pasta tasting is so much fun and they can handle big tables. It’s so close to the theaters that it’s a great option before a show. Book in advance!
