Man Goes Viral for Giving Out Baklava at Knicks Games in N.Y.C. (Exclusive)

**Baklava Seller Brings Sweet Flavours to Knicks Fans Amid Championship Fever**

With the excitement of the NBA finals gripping New York City, one local entrepreneur has been adding a unique twist to the basketball experience by distributing traditional Turkish pastries outside Madison Square Garden. Roy Donk, the founder of Good Baklava, has been delighting basketball fans with his sweet treats, and he plans to join the celebrations at Thursday’s championship parade with an impressive stash of 800 pieces of baklava.

Roy Donk, whose real name is Jacob Komarow, began his baklava business, Good Baklava, as a light-hearted endeavour. What started as a joke at Phish concerts has blossomed into a full-fledged enterprise, much to the delight of those lucky enough to sample his wares. “I used to sell drugs at Phish concerts,” Donk explains, emphasizing his deep-rooted connection with the music scene. His experience took a turn as he embraced sobriety and sought a new path during the pandemic.

Realising he needed to supplement his income while touring with his favourite band, Donk decided to take on a challenge: selling baklava. Initially, it served as a source of fun and a way to finance his travels, but it quickly transformed into an opportunity to share joy through food. “At first, it was just this fun kind of outlet to make a couple of bucks,” he recalls.

After spending three years touring and experimenting with his product, Donk returned to New York City and began selling his baklava in parks like Central Park and Prospect Park. It was there that he recognised the potential for his side hustle to evolve into a genuine business venture. Now, Good Baklava imports its pastries unbaked from Turkey, which are then baked fresh in New Jersey, ensuring quality and authenticity with added syrup and pistachios.

Donk is especially enthused about the Knicks’ recent success in the finals, describing it as a phenomenon that has energised fans across the city. “Good Baklava is a New York-forward company,” he proclaimed, reflecting on the unique connection between his business and the Knicks’ thrilling run. “There’s no way we could have done this in any other city,” he remarked, noting the city’s passionate fanbase and the electric atmosphere that comes with a championship chase.

Not only has Donk enhanced the experience at Knicks games, but he has also generously distributed his baklava at high-energy gatherings like the New York City Marathon. He views these communal events as perfect opportunities to spread happiness among fans and participants alike. “These Knicks games were just total chaos, joy, emotions flying,” he describes, underscoring the thrill in the air. “Everyone’s screaming in the street. It’s like a 10 out of 10.”

As the Knicks plan to host their championship parade, Donk is excited to join the festivities, bringing along trays of his delectable baklava. His goal is not just to sell but to enhance the atmosphere, saying, “The only thing that could bring it one level further is a piece of Good Baklava.”

Good Baklava has taken Donk well beyond the borders of New York City, with his pastries being enjoyed at events such as Coachella and even internationally in locations like Japan and Turkey, where he sources his pistachios. His travels embody the intrigue and multicultural flavour that baklava represents.

The emotional connection that people have with baklava is something Donk cherishes deeply, describing it as a nostalgic product for many. “It reminds them of their grandmothers,” he explains, highlighting the sentimental value his baklava brings to customers. Feedback from buyers also reinforces his success, with one customer expressing that they wouldn’t buy anything else from a street vendor but couldn’t resist his baklava.

Moreover, Donk finds joy in the unexpected reactions his business garners. He relayed a story of how he once encountered a customer who burst into laughter upon seeing the “random bearded Jewish kid from the kingdom of New Jersey selling baklava.” Such moments encapsulate the charm of his venture, transforming an ordinary day in New York City into a delightful experience for both buyers and sellers alike.

As the Knicks continue to make their mark in the finals and the city revels in the festivities, Donk stands ready to join the cheer with his signature baklava, reinforcing the sweet spirit of New York during this celebratory time. As he prepares for the parade, he looks forward to witnessing not just a championship victory, but the collective joy of fellow New Yorkers as they savour the flavours of Good Baklava.