Have You Tried This Newark Bakery? Kamala Harris Has – Patch.com

NEWARK, NJ — Due to the pandemic, Tonnie Rozier mostly sees takeout orders from his bakery on Halsey Street in Newark these days. But that didn’t stop Rozier from getting a special, in-person visit from three of the Democratic Party’s biggest names last week: Vice President Kamala Harris, U.S. Sen. Cory Booker and Gov. Phil Murphy.
On Friday, the vice president visited Montclair State University to speak about President Joe Biden’s $3.5 trillion federal spending plan, including its child care provisions. She also visited the COVID-19 vaccine center at Essex County College in Newark.
On her way back to Newark Airport, Harris made a short trip to Tonnie’s Minis for cupcakes and cake along with Booker and Murphy.
“In Newark, I always go where Sen. Booker recommends,” Harris quips in a video shared to the shop’s Instagram page.
Rozier told NJ Advance Media that the visit came unexpectedly. After he got a call asking if they had cupcakes and if he was in the shop, Secret Service agents arrived at his door about 10 minutes later.
“It was amazing to me,” he said, adding that he’s a “big fan of this particular administration.”
Terrific visit to Tonnie’s Minis in Newark today with
@VP and @SenBooker! With bold investments in Main Street, the Build Back Better Agenda will ensure our small businesses emerge from this pandemic stronger. pic.twitter.com/w5bos6S7CG
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) October 8, 2021
While Harris’ visit may be her first taste of the treats at Tonnie’s Minis, the local bakery has been among the city’s worst-kept secrets for years. As seen on its Yelp listing:
- “The cakes are beautiful – moist, tasty, as well as pretty. So many big name bakeries can’t seem to get all those elements right.”
- “Love it love it! Finally some good cupcakes from a real baker. Moist, flavorful and just the right amount of sweetness. Variety here, they even had my favorite pie Sweet Potato, grabbed a few to eat while working. Grabbed some mini cupcakes to take home. Staff was nice and friendly, this will be my new go to spot.”
- “I’ve literally been taking all of my family members here one by one when they come into town lol. No more traveling to NY to other bakeries for me. I live a little too close and find myself buying dessert too often here.”
Another favorite moment of today,
@VP did an OTR with Senator @CoryBooker & @GovMurphy in Newark, NJ at Tonnie’s Minis and she met Ulani, who spends her Fridays after school doing homework here. pic.twitter.com/iQgiZYRqpT
— Opal Vadhan (@OpalVadhan46) October 8, 2021
What a great day in the Garden State where
@VP spent the day talking about the importance of investments in childcare and getting vaccinated. We are wheels up NJ, see you soon DC! pic.twitter.com/e3ytaQAA3i
— Opal Vadhan (@OpalVadhan46) October 8, 2021
Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com