Something is baking in Bridgewater. Woops!, a bakery dreamed up in New York City, specializing in macarons and other international pastries, has come to town. Firmly anchored as the largest retailer of French macarons in the United States, Woops! is bringing its cultural flair and European indulgence Bridgewater, the sixth New Jersey location for the brand.
Located at Bridgewater Commons in the center court next to AT&T, the kiosk is set to open on April 26 and is owned and operated by Naresh Garapati. This is Garapati’s second location—he also owns the location in Newport Centre.
“Building on the success of Newport Centre, I’m extremely excited to be opened another location in Bridgewater Commons,” says Garapati. “New Jersey’s dessert scene is changing with folks looking for more unique and rare treats. Woops! satisfies that hunger for uniqueness and exceeds expectations in terms of taste, quality and flavor.”
Garapati first came across Woops! in the Port Authority Path Station when commuting into the city for his Master’s degree program. Entranced by the design and presentation of macarons, Garapati knew he wanted to be a part of Woops!. Once he graduated, he dove into the business full-time.
The Woops! journey began in 2012 on a whim when four friends opened a macaron pop-up shop at the Holiday Shops in New York City’s Bryant Park. In nine short weeks they sold 100,000 macarons and developed a cult-like following due to the macarons and aesthetic. The group then realized that “Woops!”, they had a thriving business. Building on the momentum and popularity of Bryant Park, the four friends soon opened boutique mall kiosks in major malls throughout the Northeast.
The close-knit group of friends who founded Woops! are from all over the world: Israel, France, India, and the U.S. Their cultural diversity is integrated not only in the ambiance but in the menu. Today, Woops! serves handmade classic French macarons in over 20 flavors, as well as 30 other international desserts, which are produced in the company’s bakery in New York City, or imported from Europe.
“My hope is that through our macarons and delicious treats, people are reminded of a nostalgic time—a reminder to slow down, appreciate where you are presently and enjoy that moment,” says Garapati. “Our Macarons are not French; they are also not “American” per se. They are American in the sense that they are a reflection of the melting pot that makes us who we are. Between the classic French flavors, the American Cookies and Cream and the British London Fog, we provide opportunities for every single customer to experience that present moment.”
To help celebrate every moment, whether it’s a wedding, baby shower, business meeting, or client gift, Woops! works creatively to produce a dessert that personalizes and enhances each event’s theme and styling. For any event or celebration, Woops! offers eye-catching macaron pyramids, beautifully designed gift boxes, elegant party favors and customized macarons with company logos, taglines and more.
“With Woops! we are able to be a part of every celebration, big or small,” says Garapati. “We’re opening just before Mother’s Day this year and I look forward to the opportunity to celebrate with our customers everything from weddings, birthdays, Valentine’s Day, and every holiday in between. We even offer desserts for business meetings to bring celebrating to every aspect of life. We want the community to know that we are here for them through all of life’s moments.”
Woops! will be open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.