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Mon, May 12, 2025

A New Pope? Time to Make Cookies at This Queens Bakery.


Published on 2025-05-12 05:41:30 -
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  • Maria Notaro got to work as soon as Pope Leo XIV waved from the balcony at St. Peter's Basilica.

Pope Leo Cookies, a beloved bakery in Queens, New York, is set to close its doors after 75 years of operation, as announced by owner Maria Giannopoulos on May 12, 2025. The bakery, known for its traditional Greek cookies and pastries, has been a staple in the Astoria neighborhood, attracting customers from across the city with its signature treats like kourabiedes and melomakarona. Giannopoulos, who took over the business from her parents, cited retirement and the challenges of maintaining the bakery's high standards as reasons for the closure. The announcement has sparked an outpouring of nostalgia and support from the community, with many expressing their sadness over the loss of a local institution and their appreciation for the memories and delicious baked goods it provided over the decades.

Read the Full The New York Times Article at:
[ https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/12/nyregion/pope-leo-cookies-bakery-queens.html ]