Emma Wallace 
The iconic Magnolia Bakery, known for its famous banana pudding, picture-perfect cupcakes, and cameo in Sex and the City, is coming to New Jersey. Magnolia Bakery has announced on LinkedIn that franchise agreements have been signed for several New Jersey counties, though it has not released complete details on all locations or the total number of stores. Read on for more about Magnolia Bakery and its venture to New Jersey.
What Is Magnolia Bakery?
The now-international brand started as a single West Village bakery on Bleecker Street in 1996. Founders Jennifer Appel and Allysa Torey launched a menu similar to today’s with red velvet cupcakes, pies, cookies, and its best-selling banana pudding. The nostalgic desserts and homey atmosphere made it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
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Magnolia Bakery rose to national fame with an appearance in the massive cultural phenomenon Sex and the City. In this brief scene, characters Carrie Bradshaw and Miranda Hobbes sit on the bench outside of the original bakery eating pink-frosted cupcakes while discussing Carrie’s new crush. Following this feature, the neighborhood bakery became globally known.
Their popularity grew to two more New York City locations and a bakery in Los Angeles before opening its first international franchise in 2010 at The Dubai Mall. Presently, it operates around 55 stores across the United States and internationally, including India, the Philippines, Qatar, and others.
Magnolia Bakery’s New Jersey Locations
Information is slim on which municipalities will be part of the New Jersey expansion or when the bakeries are expected to open. Per the Magnolia Bakery website, a location in Mt. Laurel, NJ will open in Fall 2026. Five are planned to open in Hudson and Bergen counties and an additional three will be spread across Mercer, Middlesex, and Monmouth counties.
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These Central Jersey bakeries will be launched over the course of the next three years.
Magnolia Bakery has named Marcelo Martins and Frank Polito of GSMB Holdings as the Bergen and Hudson counties franchise owners. The company also announced that Insiya Dhrolia and Sameena Shahpurwala will be operators of the Mercer, Middlesex, and Monmouth counties franchises.
What to Expect at Magnolia Bakery
Patrons can expect to see a wide variety of classic American desserts at these new bakeries. Magnolia Bakery is best known for its creamy banana pudding, but the bakery also offers a variety of cupcakes, layer cakes, cheesecakes, cookies, brownies, pies, breakfast pastries, and coffee beverages. Seasonal desserts are also featured throughout the year.
More About Magnolia Bakery’s Expansion
The expansion is part of Magnolia Bakery’s first-ever franchising initiative. Including the Garden State, franchise agreements have been signed for upcoming Magnolia Bakery locations in 14 states.
This expansion marks a shift in the company, which for years primarily operated as company-owned stores. Magnolia Bakery launched its franchise program to celebrate its 30th anniversary in the bakery business and bring its traditional flavors to more communities.
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Magnolia Bakery has not yet responded to The Local Girl’s request for comment.
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