Duane Park Patisserie — Tribeca Alliance

Local Business Profile - Duane Park Patisserie

After 28 years of business, Duane Park Patisserie owner Madeline Lanciani was not going to let this pandemic shut her down. She was determined to keep her bakery open, continue serving the community and keeping as many employees on staff. After two months of working under these strange conditions we asked Madeline how it’s gone and what are lessons learned.

What has it been like being open during the Covid-19 shutdown?

Overnight we lost over 60% of our business (most of our revenue comes from catering events) so for a few days I was in shock, but decided we needed to move forward and keep our doors open. I had no idea what to expect, but I’ve had wonderful response and support from neighbors and customers who are still here. People have actually thanked me for being open, when I think it is I who should thank them!

What have been some lessons learned?

The biggest lesson learned is one needs to be nimble enough to pivot. We listened and talked to our customers and have diversified what we do. I have the advantage of being a cuisine chef (besides a pastry chef) as does my kitchen manager/head chef Diego Hernandez. So when people started to ask for sandwiches and such, we drew upon our experience and began offering savories- like many of the patisseries in France. We are making savory tartes (quiche) and sandwiches using the bread products we already make: croissant, brioche, focaccia.

And In the coming weeks I am going to offer Brooklyn Roasting Coffee, whole beans and ground, for sale, which is the coffee we brew here in the shop. We are also selling loafs of bread, and also going to sell bottled sparkling water, Topo Chico (my personal favorite). So I am adding items which I would not have considered three months ago. We are also offering free delivery within the neighborhood.

Another growing revenue stream for us is our mail order business - mostly Ring Dings. It has grown 10 fold. [The Ring Dings are the kids classic treat, like Ding Dongs but DPP makes them so much better]. So I have had to spend more time developing my website to accommodate, and my social media marketing played a big part in growing this market.

Do you have other advice for business looking to reopen now?

I know this sounds odd to say this, at a time like this, but have “fun”. Meaning, approach re-opening with an open heart and mind, and be creative. What worked before probably won’t work now, so we all have to diversify what we sell, how we sell and even look to other markets. And the other thing we learned is, when you decide to open, be open. There were some days we have not even breaking even at all, but with a regular schedule, even if its reduced times, people show up. And finally build a relationship with your landlord and talk. I, thankfully, have a landlord who is working with me so that is an immense help.

What are your hopes for the future and the Tribeca business community?

I think Tribeca has an amazing diversity of businesses each with its own special needs, but I think there is strength and power in us sticking together, and having our voices heard. Plus our community is really unique – we have many talented neighbors and resources here too. Like 9/11 recovery, we will overcome this by sticking together, sharing advice, pooling resources, sharing marketing, promoting each other via word of mouth, and I think there are also many neighbors, in exile, that can help too in marketing, legal advice, tech issues and other resources.

Come Visit Us Online https://duaneparkpatisserie.com/