The Baklava Guy: How Good Baklava Became a Knicks Game Favorite
Roy Donk, the man behind Good Baklava, became an unexpected fan favorite during the New York Knicks’ championship run by giving away free pieces of Turkish baklava outside Madison Square Garden.
What started as a side hustle at Phish concerts eventually grew into a real business. Donk began selling baklava in New York City parks and at events, eventually recognizing an opportunity to turn his love of the dessert into a brand.
During the Knicks’ playoff run, Donk took a different approach: instead of selling his baklava, he gave it away to fans. The strategy helped Good Baklava gain massive attention on social media, with videos and photos of Donk quickly going viral. The increased exposure led to media coverage, new customers, brand partnerships, and even collaborations with other businesses.
Today, Good Baklava has grown far beyond its humble beginnings, shipping authentic Turkish baklava to customers and building a recognizable brand around food, humor, community, and New York culture.
Want to learn more about Roy Donk, his journey, and how the “Baklava Guy” became part of the Knicks’ playoff experience?