Famed Arthur Ave. Bread, an institution in The Bronx for more than 55 years, will begin retail sales at its new Sleepy Hollow location later this month. "We are probably about two weeks away from opening," Walter Galiano, Jr., president, said.
On opening day, all retail-shop baked goods will be sold at a 50% discount.
The existing storefront at 2409-2415 Arthur Avenue in The Bronx and a baking facility behind it will be retained but mainly to service local customers; otherwise, the bakery's wholesale and retail operations will make Sleepy Hollow their new home.
Arthur Ave. Bread is widely known for its trademark crusty breads called by a few names including Pane di Casa, bread-on-the-hand, or just "round bread." It offers many other bakery goods as well including Bastone (a long bread), Kaiser soft rolls, deli and club rolls, muffins, bagels, cakes, authentic Italian pastries including cannoli, cookies and sesame-seed, crispy Italian bread sticks by the bag.
The Sleepy Hollow storefront will also sell coffee, espresso, cappuccino, tea, soda and other popular beverages.
During the hours when the retail store is closed, patrons will still be able to purchase bakery staples by going through the garage entrance to reach the bakery interior. It is advisable to bring bills in small denominations or exact change.
Arthur Ave. Bread was opened in 1954 by Gerardo Galiano (Walter's grandfather).
A growing need to expand necessitated the move from The Bronx. The choice of Sleepy Hollow, Walter Galiano, Jr. said, was influenced by a strong feeling that Sleepy Hollow represented a growth community and the village's central location. Many of the bakery's commercial customers are in upstate New York as far north as Columbia County and Sleepy Hollow represented a viable location from which its trucks could head upstate, across the Tappan Zee Bridge to Rockland County or to southern Connecticut. Its tristate-area commercial customers include A&P and Stop & Shop supermarkets and many groceries, delicatessens and restaurants.
Several Galiano family members are helping Walter:
- Rina, a sister, manages Sleepy Hollow retail sales
- Regina, a sister, handles outside (wholesale) sales
- Paul, his brother, is in charge of marketing and advertising
- Stephanie, Walter's fiancée, helps out in the office
- Paola, his mother, is responsible for dessert and pastry recipes
- Walter Galiano, Sr., his dad, spent 40 years in the bakery business and is available for consulting when needed
Walter Galiano, Jr. grew up in The Bronx and graduated from Fordham Prep High School in The Bronx. He received BS and MS degrees from the College of Mount Saint Vincent in Riverdale and also earned a masters degree from Hunter College in Manhattan where his major was Administration & Supervision.
He and Stephanie plan to be married in Serino, Italy in April, 2012.
Walter's favorite dish is Spaghetti Carbonara which he often cooks at home. He resides in Briarcliff Manor.
The bakery will be open seven days a week and will include a few tables (for self-service only). The hours of operation will be from 7 a.m. to 6 or 7 p.m. on Monday through Saturday and 7 a.m. to about 5 p.m. on Sunday. In addition, bread products will be available for purchase 24 hours a day (come in through the garage entrance if the retail store is closed).
Arthur Ave. Bread is located at 149 Cortlandt Street, Sleepy Hollow, 914-909-5454.
