Merve Gunduz grew up in Istanbul, Turkey. After working in the corporate world for 15 years, Merve Gunduz decided it was time to follow her true dream of opening a Cafe.
She started her first business NY-IST Cafe, located at the hearth of the city -Taksim, in the lower level of a boutique hotel. This cafe was wildly successful for her New York style eats as well as Turkish specialty items. In 2016 Merve and her family moved to Glen Rock.
Still wanting to pursue her cafe dream, she took a small baking cooking class and found that she loved baking more then cooking.
“Baking is more creative, you can do anything”
With the opening of the retail space, Merve took advantage of the opportunity to fulfill her dream of a Turkish bakery and kitchen. She felt that she will be an asset to Glen Rock since there are are no “mommy” hang out places in town and she wants to fill that void.
Even though Merve loves baking more than cooking, but she offers both since she wanted to have homemade food so her daughter can come in and eat.
Merves long term goal for the restaurant? No franchises or expansions.
I want the restaurant to grow old with me, and help it keep it fresh.
She has some regular items available, but has a lot of flexible items because this place is a dynamic place and wants it to continually change and grow.
BTN wishes Merve the best of luck! Her Turkish coffee is awesome!
Merve’s Bakery & Kitchen
235 Rock Road
Glen Rock, New Jersey
