Q&A: Walls' Bake Shop Going Strong Since the 50s

For 60 years, in Hewlett has been one of the most popular bakeries in the Five Towns, earning the loyalty of local residents as well as patrons from distant Long Island towns. Owner Mark Schechner, who took over the store more than 30 years ago, credits his bakery’s longevity to hard work, quality products and customer loyalty.

Were you into baking and cooking as a kid?

My father owned a bakery, so I grew up in the business. I practiced accounting before this. But I realized that I didn’t want to do that for the rest of my life.

What are some perks to having a business in the Five Towns?

It wasn’t really the area that drew me. It was the bakery itself, which was a good business when I bought it. But my customers aren’t just from Hewlett, they’re from many surrounding areas. People travel from all over to come here. We’re lucky that we draw people from all over.

What makes your bakery stand out?

A better product — some of our most popular are the philly fluff [loaf cake], the rugelach and our bobkas. And we have great, old-fashioned rye bread. This is a basic Jewish bakery, and everything is kosher.

Are these family recipes?

Some are my recipes, some are the bakers’ and some are hybrids. And if there’s something new out there, we’ll figure out the best formula for it.

Do you get any unusual requests?

Occasionally that happens. Sometimes I will actually have to tell a customer that it doesn’t make sense or that it’s not the perfect combination, so let’s figure out something else. If they really want it, I’ll do it. But I have an obligation to let them know what makes sense and what doesn’t.

Do you do the baking?

Not really — just on occasion if someone is out. I’m really more of a business person.

Do you have a sweet tooth?

I eat these things every day. I just finished a pineapple Danish. And I love bobka and also coffee cake. I eat everything. I never get tired of it. Even after all these years, I still love it all. And I bring stuff home for the family all the time.

So how to you keep from gaining a lot of weight?

I work 18 hours a day.

When are you the busiest?

Every holiday is a busy time in this place. Jewish holidays are very busy — like Passover and Rosh Hashanah. And of course, we just got finished with Hanukkah, Christmas and New Year's, which are three big ones.

Any thought of retiring?

No — I have two kids in school right now.

Is your family involved in the business?

My boys have worked here on occasion. I don’t really want them to get into the business. I want them to figure out what they want to do on their own.

These days, with so many businesses struggling to stay afloat, how does it feel to run a place that’s still thriving after 60 years?

Actually, all of the sudden, everyone wants to talk to me and interview me about why we’re here for so many years. I don’t look for the limelight or let it go to my head. I just keep to myself and do my work. It’s just about hard work and good products. I’ve never advertised. The only time I take out an ad is if it’s something for charity, like for a church or a temple. Otherwise, I don’t see the need. If you don’t know us by now….