Today we’d like to introduce you to Joanna Di Sclafani Shaughnessy.
Hi Joanna, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
The NY Italian Texan Bake Shop is an authentic New York Italian-American bakery, proudly woman-owned, food manager certified, registered Texas cottage bakery, and Homemade Texas verified! We specialize in bringing the flavors of classic New York Italian bakeries to Texas—crafted with tradition, heart, and time-honored family recipes.
I was born in Brooklyn, NY and raised on Long Island, where authentic Italian bake shops seemed to be on every corner. Being Italian American meant traditions, family gatherings, and celebrating every birthday and holiday together. No celebration was complete without a visit to our neighborhood Italian bakery to pick out cakes and pastries to make the moment special.
Some of my fondest memories are standing in awe of bakery shelves during the holidays—filled with beautifully gift-wrapped cookie trays that felt truly magical. Cannoli cake holds a special place in my heart, as it was my dad’s favorite, and it continues to inspire the desserts I create today.
My love for cooking and baking started early—and it’s no surprise, because I learned from the best. I was always recreating popular New York and Italian-inspired desserts, especially during the holidays, and sharing them with family and friends. I truly feel I missed my calling as I volunteered as an office clerk at the Hotel Restaurant Department at my local community college while attending. I always loved to be in the kitchen! My favorite dessert to bake are rainbow cookies, and my recipes are inspired by some of the most well-known and beloved bakeries in New York.
After moving to the Lone Star State, I realized how much I missed sharing my Italian heritage, my baking, and the authentic flavors of New York Italian bakeries. That longing became the mission behind The NY Italian Texan Bake Shop. To bring authentic New York Italian bakery flavors to Texas with the highest possible quality, care, and attention to detail.
We specialize in traditional from scratch cannoli, Italian cookies, and classic rainbow cookies, all fresh, handmade, and made from scratch. All our baked goods are made to order, ensuring peak freshness and flavor. Preorders can be placed by sending us an email.
From our our homemade candied fruit and almond paste, every item reflects old-world Italian baking techniques.
We proudly offer catering for holidays, birthdays, weddings, and special events, including custom Italian Wedding Cookie Tables, Dessert Tables, and Italian & American specialty cakes—each designed to feel personal, nostalgic, and unforgettable.
The NY Italian Bake Shop Texas currently operates as a Texas cottage bakery, with plans to relocate next year, and to offer nationwide shipping. Please note that our home kitchen is not nut-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, or soy-free.
Every order is made with intention, tradition, and love.
The NY Italian Texan Bake Shop.
Where every bite tastes like home!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
After my youngest daughter entered kindergarten, I wanted to go back to work. I worked for a large hospital healthcare system in the business office for many years, but decided I wanted to do something creative, something I loved. Right after, my husband became disabled with a major health scare following his first disability. I needed to help suppliment income. A friend recommended me to a local bakery working on sweet treats for the Harry Potter Forbiden Forest Experience. I went on the interfiew and told my story and mission behind my idea for a New York themed bakery, and was hired as a baker. I was blessed to have great support from the owners to start my business using their kitchen. I started a facebook & instagram page and started share what I can offer. Today my page welcomed over 319 followers! My customers are family, and their support truly means the world to our famly! Every day is a step towards my dream of opening a brick & mortar bake shop. Unfortunately, we are in need to relocate to be closer to family for more support, but we are still here until we get closer to a moving date. After we relocate, we hope to be offering nation wide shipping, so that my Texas customer’s can still enjoy their favorite treats! A girl can dream big, and I am going to do just that!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My passion for my bakery is to bring the nostalgia of Italian American bakery, and keep our family traditions alive! I was always creative, creating baked goods, food, and art. Baking combinees all three! I love what I do!
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory is visiting the local Italian Bake Shop with my family to pick out cookies and pastry to make the occasion special. Also cooking and baking with my family and for my family celebrations.
Pricing:
- All my customer’s receive $5 off their first order of $100 or more!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thenyitaliantexanbakeshop.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenyitaliantexanbakeshop/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555648971362
- Youtube: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-ny-italian-texan-bake-shop-frisco
