Roe's Casa Dolce Opens Shop in Merrick

Roe's Casa Dolce has opened up in Merrick, and a pair of Merokeans are running the show.

Jennifer and George Rivera took over the Rockville Centre location two years ago. George is a self-taught baker, and his treats have been a big hit in RVC. When the Riveras saw that Blockbuster had closed its doors at 1756 Merrick Ave., the fit seemed natural. The Merrick location opened on July 30.

"One day, my husband was driving to work and he saw the open Blockbuster," Jennifer Rivera said. "We started checking it out and that’s how it came about."

Rivera said that the new shop will provide something that Merrick's been sorely missing — a bakery in walking distance for the locals in the heavily residential area.

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"Everything is baked fresh," Rivera added. "Our pastries are so different. We take a rainbow cookie and fill it with cannoli cream. If you don’t see something, we’ll do it for you anyway."

All of the baking takes place in Rockville Centre, and two to three deliveries are made daily with products to restock the new store.

Rivera added that many Merokeans frequented the Rockville Centre location, so no advertising was needed to get the word out.

"We’re very customer-oriented, and I don’t think our economy and our world has much of that anymore," she said. "We’re here to please the customer."

In terms of a signature product, Rivera said George makes a fabulous rainbow cannoli. Also, many customers choose the "oh my god," which is cheesecake with mousse and ganache. There's also a variety of pastries, breads and cakes. She added that the goal is to help the customer get what they came for and then choose what they want to get for next time.

"We want you to come in, get everything you need, and then you’re done," she said.

What do you think of Roe's Case Dolce? Tell us in the comments.

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