A year ago, Sweet P Bakery was selling “Colossal Cookies” at The Porch.
They were big, soft and delicious. Everyone loved them. But the small Cross Highway deli was — admit it — the minor leagues.
This month, Sweet P Bakery owners Bill and Andrea Pecoriello got called up to the Majors.
That’s not a metaphor.
Thursday is opening day at Yankee Stadium. And — along with Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger and Anthony Volpe — fans will cheer for Sweet P’s sweet & salty, chocolate chip and M&M cookies.
Sooooo good!
They’ll join Bobby Flay, The Halal Guys, Benihana and other legendary purveyors at the famed ballpark’s concession stands and luxury suites.
As often happens in sports, the call-up came quickly — after years of hard work.
Westporter Mike Loparo was a frequent customer at The Porch, the Pecoriello’s business. It began as an outgrowth of Sweet P, the couple’s non-profit bakery that offers training and employment for adults with disabilities.
Loparo’s day job is vice president of retail, marketing and licensing at Legends Hospitality. The company runs food, beverage, merchandise and retail operations at professional and college stadiums around the country.
Why, he asked, aren’t Sweet P’s cookies at Yankee Stadium?
Why not indeed? the Pecoriellos asked. Get us a meeting!
Andrea and Bill Pecoriello.
Last July, Loparo delivered cookies to Robert Flowers, the stadium’s new executive chef.
He loved them. He also loved Sweet P’s mission, working with people with disabilities.
A lot of non-profit food companies have great stories, Flowers said. Not a lot have great products too.
From late August through the World Series, Sweet P supplied cookies for dessert carts in luxury suites. A small card on the cart described the company’s work.
The cookies were always fresh. Loparo hand-delivered them every day.
Legends brought Sweet P on, for the 2025 season. Last week they were showcased — along with returning and new food companies — at the Yankees’ big media day.
All of Sweet P’s bakers were there. Major TV station and key social media influencers interviewed them about their cookies. They were eager to talk about their products — and the way Sweet P helped them find employment, make friends, and enriched their lives.
Telling the Sweet P story for TV.
Stadium executives, even other chefs, jostled to have photos taken with the Sweet P employees.
The added demand for Sweet P cookies will likely lead to more employment opportunities.
The Pecoriellos get several calls a week from parents with adult children with disabilities who like baking. Sweet P may now be able to teach even more of them those skills — along with others, like packng and shipping.
Sweet P has a 3,000-square foot commercial kitchen in Norwalk, with a loading dock.
“We can handle whatever the Yankees throw at us,” Andrea says confidently.
Getting ready, at Yankee Stadium.
This is a feel-good, up-to-the-majors story for sure. “It’s literally a home run,” Andrea says.
But unlike one about a big league ballplayer, this might have a different ending.
As good as Aaron Judge is, he can only play for one team at a time.
Legends executives have already started talking with the Pecoriellos about supplying cookies to other stadiums around the country. A major hotel in Boston is interested too.
What a grand slam that would be!
(Sweet P’s Colossal Cookies will be available at Yankee Stadium concourses by Sections 121 and 211. To learn more about Sweet P — and order online — click here. To learn more about Yankee Stadium food services, click here.)
(Play ball! “06880” often highlights local businesses, non-profits — and the many Westporters doing good things, here and everywhere. If you enjoy these stories, please click here to support our work.)
👏👏👏👏👏🩷💙❤️💜🤩 congratulations …. The cookies are absolutely delicious. I got them as a gift so happy to know the history and again congratulations to all
Mike is old Westport at its finest. Used to run the concessions at Yankee Stadium and provide new uniforms for the football team each year.
What to go! employing people with disabilities is wonderful and fulfilling for everyone. Thank you for setting that example for local business here in Westport.
Thank you for featuring our friends at Sweet P! We are proud to have been there supporting them in building their training!
Thanks so much for the great article on Sweet P, Dan! As the parent of one of the Sweet P bakers, I can tell you that they had an absolutely fantastic day at the stadium on Wednesday, and it was an incredible venue for spreading the word about their jumbo cookies. Since The Porch has closed, it is more important than ever to get the word out about these delicious cookies and encourage people to order them from the website. They can be shipped anywhere in the US.
Mike Loparo is a gem. He takes a spacial interest in supporting people with disabilities. The Pecoriellos are such special people too. Love this story, Dan!
A number of Sweet P’s products are sold at Westport’s Big Y. They are all delicious!
While Sweet P baked goods are not currently sold at Big Y, we would love the opportunity to have our baked goods there !
The Mets got Soto, but the Yankees got Sweet P! A+ trade as far as I am concerned. Andrea and Bill are two of Westport’s
finest.
Love this so much! Congratulations to Sweet P!!
Congrats to the Pecoriello’s and the Sweet P team. Well deserved. Looking forward to a tasty treat next time I’m at the Stadium. Unfortunately, because it’s the Yanks, my favorite cookie will likely be on the IL.
Congratulations Andrea & Bill!
A great mission and an exciting venture for the most wonderful couple!
I was so excited yesterday (I’m probably late with this sighting) when I bought Sweet P cookies age Big Y
Andrea and Bill are THE nicest people. They are people who did well, and now are doing good.
“SWEET P” Bakery – on an meaningful employment mission (with cookies!) – Congrats to the Pecoriellos, to their employees, and staff. -And, sharing a WOW shout out to Mr. Loparo for “walking” this TEAM ’round the bases, to score an important “run” at a time when inclusion needs it most. (FYI – our Westport Big Y sells Sweat Pea (from a greenwich bakery) not our loved “SWEET P”…if anyone knows Westport Big Y bosses.. maybe you could help… ask them sell our Westport based “Sweet P” treats
absolutely fantastic. Thank you for the great work you do for our community.
I think the baked goods at The Big Y probably come from Sweet P’s Bake Shop which is a brand of TopCo Associates. They can be found in supermarkets all over the country.