Maria’s Baklava brings the sweet taste of Greece to CNY

Baklava orders are increasing steadily at Maria’s Baklava, and that’s just how owner Maria Hopko likes it.
Cortland-based Maria’s Baklava specializes in baking baklava. The first few pieces of the Greek pastry, which Hopko assembles and bakes by hand, sold in Cortland in January 2011. One year and thousands of pieces later, Maria’s Baklava continues to supply baklava to a growing list of local shops and restaurants.

Despite the recession, businesses and consumers have been very receptive to the product. The Blue Frog Coffeehouse in Cortland and Origins in Homer were the first shops to add Maria’s Baklava to their menus. Other eateries include the new Blue Frog Café and Sahara Mediterranean restaurant in Ithaca, and most recently Manndibles on the Cornell campus.

Hopko says the local community has been extremely supportive of the business. Maria’s Baklava was invited to participate in last year’s Cortland Business Showcase preview party, where Hopko provided free baklava samples while networking with area business leaders.

Supporting small businesses by buying local is important to Hopko. She is teaming with 2 Brothers Honey of Cortland to purchase honey and hopes to find local suppliers for other key ingredients.

Hopko, a Cortland native, developed her baklava recipe to mimic the taste of baklava sold at bakeries in Greece. She hopes to introduce a second Greek pastry to her menu in the coming year, but insists on growing gradually to maintain a balance between the business, a full-time job, and family.

Maria’s Baklava also takes catering and individual orders and participates in area craft shows, bazaars, and festivals where customers can try free samples.

“It’s fun to watch people’s reactions when they try it,” says Hopko. “They’ll say it’s the best baklava they’ve ever had, so that’s very flattering.”

As printed in the Cortland Standard Outlook, 2/23/12