What It Really Takes to Build Staying Power in New York’s Frenetic Food Scene
Under chef and co-owner Kelly Mencin’s leadership, Radio Bakery has become one of New York City’s most talked-about neighborhood bakeries, known for its season creativity, savory-sweet laminated doughs and community-first approach to growth. In this Expert Insights Q&A, Mencin draws on her classical training and global bakery influences to unpack the business realities behind Radio’s cult following, from sustaining demand in a trend-saturated food scene to balancing consistency with innovation at scale. She explores why systems matter as much as creativity, how leadership sets the tone in high-pressure environments and what it takes to build a bakery brand that endures beyond the hype cycle.
