Our lovely town of Brewster contains a lot of hidden gems that tend to be overlooked with the town’s constant construction and modernization. Many of these small businesses preserve Brewster’s history, and help make our town unique and special to us who live here. Here are two prominent businesses in our Brewster community that are significant establishments in our town and deserve recognition for their influence on our community.

Kobackers

One of Brewster’s local grocery stores, residing on North Main Street, this place is a staple in Brewster, providing your favorite snacks, flowers, or caffeine pick-me-ups. What sets this store apart from your average grocery store is the connectedness you feel while shopping in the store. Family owned, it was opened by Helen and Ed Kobacker in 1957, then called “Ed and Helen’s,” and located down the street. Their goals were to provide fresh produce and meats to the town of Brewster while inspiring a sense of community and the idea of giving back to those around them. In 1974, it was renamed Kobackers after Ed and Helen’s daughter (Brenda Kobacker) took it over. Kobackers offers convenient household necessities and quick homemade dinners from their in-store deli, which provides immense relief for busy families always on the go. What started as a small place where Helen and Ed could give fresh food to their neighbors turned into something larger; something that the people of Brewster rely on. This store can make you feel right at home, making their customers feel like part of one happy family. Being a first job for many, a hub for fundraisers and bake sales, or a place to get away from the hustle of big-chained stores, Kobackers is a special place that preserves Brewster’s small-town charm and culture. Though its shoppers go there for quick and convenient trips, Kobackers still allows us to enjoy the “home-y” feeling that they always give off.

Brewster Pastry

Another beloved spot in the heart of Brewster, located under Powerhouse Gym off of Route 22, this bakery is definitely a fan favorite. Like Kobackers, Brewster Pastry is another family-owned business, established in 2007. Chef Thierry Danvin brought his bakery into the small town of Brewster to share his passion for baking and the culinary arts. In doing so, he roped in his daughter Emma Danvin, who was born shortly after the business first opened. Together, they produce a vast array of cakes, cookies, bread, and pies, giving back to the Brewster community through their love of baking. For most of the people of Brewster, this establishment offers comforting nostalgia. Many memories of bringing in cupcakes for in-school birthday parties, and then later having a birthday cake from here in your favorite flavor come to mind. However, the Brewster Bakery’s hard work and delicious pastries have not gone completely unnoticed. The bakery received the title of “Best Bakery in Putnam County” in 2022, a huge milestone for this local establishment. They continue to give back to the community, partnering with the Patterson Library, the Brewster, Putnam Lake, and Patterson Fire Department, St. Judes, the Putnam Hospital, and so many other impactful organizations. No matter the occasion or cause, the Brewster Pastry always delivers, living up to their accolades, goals, and passions as a local business.

These two small businesses have a large impact in our community, serving as places that help us create memories and bring us together. They each have amazing stories that inspire us to do and be better. Next time you need quick groceries or a sweet treat, head over to Kobackers Market or the Brewster Pastry. You won’t regret it.