This Pride Month, we’re spotlighting two beloved LGBTQIA+ owned partners featured on our Hell’s Kitchen Private Dessert Tour: Schmackary’s and Huascar & Co. Bakeshop. These local gems not only serve up delectable treats but also embody the spirit of inclusivity and community.
Schmackary’s: Broadway’s Favorite Cookie Stop
Located on 45th Street, Schmackary’s is the brainchild of Zachary Schmahl, a former Broadway performer who turned his passion for baking into a cookie haven. Schmackary’s began as a side hustle in his 400-square-foot NYC apartment. Known as “the unofficial cookie of Broadway,” Schmackary’s offers over 100 rotating flavors, from classic chocolate chip to inventive creations like maple bacon and funfetti. Beyond cookies, the bakery is celebrated for its commitment to inclusivity, proudly displaying a NOLO (No One Left Out) sticker to signify a welcoming space for all. The bakery hosts an annual fundraiser called “Broadway Bakes,” where Broadway stars serve cookies to raise money for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. This event has raised over $70,000, showcasing the bakery’s dedication to community support.
Huascar & Co. Bakeshop: A Taste of Latin Flair
Just a short walk away on 54th Street, Huascar & Co. Bakeshop is helmed by Dominican-born Chef Huascar Aquino, the first New York baker to win Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars.” His bakery is renowned for its vibrant Latin-inspired desserts, including spiked tres leches cupcakes and dulce de leche alfajores. Chef Aquino is dedicated to infusing his heritage into his creations, also shown by the incorporation of flavors like mango, coconut, passion fruit, guava, and pineapple.
Join us this June to celebrate Pride with a sweet twist. Our Hell’s Kitchen Private Dessert Tour offers a delightful journey through these inclusive establishments, where every bite tells a story of love, resilience, and community.
