In the early 20th century Joseph Zaro, having left his home and family in Eastern Europe, sailed to Ellis Island with the dream to open a bakery. In 1928 he invented what would become one of New York's most iconic desserts, the black & white cookie. Nearly a century later this fourth-generation family-owned and operated business is a household name to all New Yorkers. Today, with 12 locations in New York City’s top transportation hubs including Grand Central Station, Port Authority, Penn Station, and LaGuardia Airport; Zaro’s is a destination for bagels, rugelach, challah, cakes, and cookies.

As Director of Marketing & Communications, I worked closely with the Zaro brothers to refine their already classic brand, launch their first e-commerce experience on Goldbelly, open a new location at 125th Street in Harlem, and take their overall brand & identity to the next level. During the early stages of a global pandemic in New York City, I came up with solutions to increase revenue despite closed locations. We launched a new app & delivery service to get Zaro’s to our customers at home. We launched an initiative to hand-deliver cookie dough and customized birthday cakes. Most importantly, we gave back to the local police station, fire station, and hospital in our Harlem neighborhood.