Is Monteleone's Gone for Good?
Last week, when we asked for the status on Monteleone’s, our favorite bakery on Court Street — and one of the oldest bakeries in Brooklyn — which has been shuttered for months, one commenter said that the “contractor is allegedly in jail for bank robbery!” but that the owners were getting a third partner to…
Last week, when we asked for the status on Monteleone’s, our favorite bakery on Court Street — and one of the oldest bakeries in Brooklyn — which has been shuttered for months, one commenter said that the “contractor is allegedly in jail for bank robbery!” but that the owners were getting a third partner to help get the business running again. We were temporarily relieved. Unfortunately, a recent Chowhounder who goes by jimmyjazz offered this depressing update…
“I have some bad news… I was talking to one of the Esposito brothers next door today, and it looks like it’s all over for Monteleone’s. Apparently, the Camareris never had any money to invest, just their name, for what that’s worth. Another investor fell through, and the original Monteleone’s baker had to abandon shop and is now working elsewhere (Esposito wasn’t sure where). The store sits vacant except for some new, state of the art baking equipment which is apparently too large to easily move out. No more cheesecake or ridiculously good ices (Court St Pastry just doesn’t compare). Anyone know any good bakers, with money to spare, in need of a home?”
Somebody, say it ain’t so! And if anyone knows the whereabouts of the original Monteleone’s baker, please let us know.
What’s Up With Monteleone’s? [Brooklyn Record]
Monteleone’s Bakery [Chowhound]
Too much scuttlebutt and not enough facts. If they hustle, Dec. 1 will be the reopening. Signage is going up by week’s end. Nick’s still involved. The previous owner/baker is still involved. New partners are in the mix. Sadly, all you folks really don’t know what is going on.
Monteleone’s was closed by the health department for a few days early this year. I am sure that had something to do with the owner trying to renovate/change the store.
I doubt that he alone will be able to pay for the renovation without a partner. The entire facade of the store has to be replaced.
Monte Leone’s mini pastries are the best. Great if you just want just a little something sweet, and not a big pastry. Or a dozen or so, if you need to bring some food to a party/event. Glad to hear that they will reopen.
ok all you nosey people that need to know stuff, heres the scoop, i heard from a former employee, 1st off the Esposito brothers dont know jack about whats going on. Monteleones will be back and better than ever, construction will be resumed in approx. 1 weeks time. It is true that the owner took up a part time job but only so he could pay his rent and utility bills. Camareri backed off because they had no money of their own, and the guy who fronted their money ended up in jail (for what the source neglected to mention). The rumor spoke of by Stacey is false, they will not be closed forever. Expect to see them back within a month or so.
Actually, the “original” Monteleone’s baker retired a very long time ago, and he made authentically Italian pastries of all sorts. Unfotunately, the “current” baker couldn’t hold a candle to the him. The current baker’s pastries were acceptable (this coming from a died-in-the-wool Italian who is familiar with the “real deal”). One advantage he did have over Court Pastry was his selection of miniature Italian pastries which Court Pastry does not sell. Nevertheless, if the rumor is true, it’s a shame that Monteleone’s is closing forever… it’s been there for two generations, at least.
Ahh if only Alba’s on 86th St would open shop here – although if they do I will be gaining about 50 lbs.