GoKawiilNYC's 'Baklava Guy' scales street hustle into $70,000-a-month business
Jacob Komarow started selling baklava on New York City streets in 2021 while six months into recovery from drug addiction, building a mobile business called Good Baklava that operates from vans, pop-up stands and online orders rather than a fixed storefront. A viral moment handing out free pastries near Madison Square Garden and a subsequent New York Times profile drove explosive growth, with monthly revenue averaging over $20,000 and peaking near $70,000.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The story illustrates how a single viral moment plus mainstream media coverage can rapidly transform a small street-vending operation into a sought-after brand partner, attracting deals with companies like US Mobile and Acme Smoked Fish. It also highlights an alternative path to entrepreneurship that bypasses traditional retail infrastructure like storefronts, relying instead on social media visibility and direct public engagement.
- Good Baklava grew from a spontaneous 2021 concert experiment into a viral NYC street business.
- A June New York Times profile and Madison Square Garden video sparked major brand partnerships.
- The business has no permanent storefront, relying on vans, pop-ups and online sales, with revenue reaching $70,000 monthly.
Lodge Cast Iron Skillet — If you're inspired by Jacob Komarow's entrepreneurial spirit, a Lodge Cast Iron Skillet is a versatile and durable kitchen essential perfect for making baklava at home. Its even heat distribution and long-lasting design make it ideal for baking and roasting, helping you create delicious treats just like the Baklava Guy.
See Lodge Cast Iron Skillet on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: entrepreneur.com — Sherin Shibu, 2026-09-14
Published there as: “His Sweet Side Hustle Started As a Bet. Now It Brings in Up to $70,000 a Month: ‘Never Supposed to Get This Far’”
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