Tops Friendly Markets has brought products from a local Buffalo bakery into its fresh bakery case. Genevieve’s Bakery mini cheesecakes and Italian cookies became available at select stores in Amherst, Williamsville and Lockport, New York.
The launch, which began in early September, marks Genevieve’s first collaboration with a large retailer. The lineup features the bakery’s signature mini cheesecakes in Loganberry, Turtle, Vanilla and Key Lime varieties, along with assorted Italian cookies and cuccidati, sold individually packaged in Tops’ fresh bakery refrigerated self-service case.
“We’re excited to bring a fresh, delicious, homemade recipe from a local bakery into our stores,” said Chris Hoffman, associate category business manager for Tops Friendly Markets. “Genevieve’s Bakery has built a wonderful reputation in the community, and we’re proud to help introduce its family-made desserts to even more Tops customers.”
Polish and Italian family traditions
Genevieve’s Bakery has built a loyal following since opening in 2014. Co-owners John Rottger and Joseph Mendolera pair their Polish and Italian family traditions, with Rottger’s traditional Polish-style cheesecake, made with sour cream and no eggs for a lighter, creamier texture, alongside Mendolera’s Italian cookies. The bakery is known for nearly 30 cheesecake varieties and fresh cookie trays.
The bakery is named for Rottger’s mother, Genevieve, who dreamed of opening a bakery to sell her cheesecakes but died of breast cancer while her son was in high school.
“Probably the best part of having this business is knowing that I made my mom’s dream come true,” Rottger said.
The collaboration also brings the bakery’s cuccidati – often considered a holiday cookie – to Tops stores year-round.
“We are incredibly grateful for this partnership with Tops,” said Mendolera. “To have our family recipes available in select Tops stores is a wonderful opportunity for us and a chance to share what we’ve worked so hard to build with even more people in the community.”
In a Sept. 4 post on Facebook, Genevieve’s said, “Just delivered our first round of cheesecakes and cookies to 6 local Tops Markets! You can find our products in the Bakery department at the following locations: Transit & North French in East Amherst; Maple & Transit in Williamsville; Main St in the village of Williamsville; Tops International on Maple & N. Bailey; Niagara Falls Blvd & East Robinson Rd; Transit Rd in Lockport.”
Genevieve’s also reminded customers via Facebook that when the bakery is closed on Sunday and Monday they can find products at Tops.
Headquartered in Williamsville, New York, Tops operates 152 grocery stores in New York, Pennsylvania and Vermont, including one franchise location, with more than 14,000 associates.