Struffoli…Cannoli…Tiramisu…there’s plenty of creamy, dreamy, doused in espresso, hand-rolled and layered-with-mascarpone goodness to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth.  Ferrara’s – Little Italy’s legendary mainstay – has been using the freshest ingredients (many imported from Italy) to make their proprietary recipes for almost 115 years.

With the San Gennaro festival just days away, mother and daughter, Adeline Lepore and Adeline Lepore Sessa, are busy hiring additional workers, ordering more supplies and deciding what to sell both inside the store and at their outside booth next to the gorgeous colors of their fresh homemade gelato.

This is the time of year when everyone wants to be Italian.  But throughout the flurry of activity, both Adelines are gracious and welcoming in a way that has made Ferrara’s a “don’t miss” New York City destination.  It’s why President Ronald Reagan visited the renowned pasticerria and espresso bar – but only after secret service spent two days clearing it.  And why countless other celebrities have sampled their dolci – only to escape out the back upon being recognized and through the kitchen of the restaurant next door.

There have been four generations of family involved with Ferrara’s since it’s founding in 1892, with a fifth generation about to dive in.  Antonio Ferrara and Enrico Scoppa started their business in the very same building that houses the store today.  Enrico, trained as a baker in Naples, set the standard for pastries, cookies and cakes that is still being continued by Dennis Canciello, the current head baker who himself took over from his father, Sal, who was with Ferrara’s for 70 years.

The store eventually ended up in great nephew, Anthony Lepore’s hands who expanded into the adjacent Grand Street building next door.  Anthony started the Ferrara’s tradition of “giving back” to those in the neighborhood who were less fortunate or to those who needed help in setting up their own business.  It’s a tradition that continues to this day as nearly all requests from non-profits throughout the five boroughs for gift certificates, food baskets and gift items are honored.

According to Adeline S., “My dad was the greatest man in the entire world. He was a visionary and did it all.  His innovative packaging and his decision to modernize the business in the late 70’s by purchasing one of the first computers available for commercial use, enhanced our business and made it run even more efficiently.”  Not to mention the dedication to hard work, strong family relationships and cultural identity.

Today, Ferrara’s is an icon.  Numerous gastronomic events are held at the store.  And as visits from celebrity chefs such as Giada de Laurentiis become more common, the next step for Ferrara’s could be its own baking and foodie program.

But it’s Ferrara’s superior baked goods that keep people coming year after year.  The cheesecake, the biscotti, the Sfogliatella…the business sense and family traditions are all rolled into the sweet nougat of success.