QUEENS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CROWNS KORA AS QUEENS’ BEST BAKERY

On Wednesday, July 23, the Queens Chamber of Commerce—the borough’s oldest and largest business association—announced KORA as the winner of its inaugural Queens’ Best Bakery Competition. The competition, which launched on June 13, invited locals to nominate and vote for their favorite spots for cookies, cakes, and all the sweet treats in between, with the beloved Filipino-inspired bakery emerging as the champion.
 
“Congratulations to KORA in Sunnyside for rising to the top and being named Queens’ Best Bakery,” said Tom Grech, President and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce. “This competition was a celebration of the incredible talent and diversity in our borough’s baking scene, and Kora’s creativity and dedication clearly resonated with voters. We’re proud to shine a spotlight on a small business that brings so much flavor and heart to the Queens community.”
 
"To be named Best Bakery in Queens by the very community that has shaped and sustained us is an honor beyond words. This recognition is more than an award — it is a reflection of shared stories, of heritage passed through hands and hearts, and of the quiet power that food holds to connect us. KORA was born from remembrance — of family, culture and tradition; to see it embraced so fully humbles us profoundly,” said co-founders Kimberly Camara and Kevin Borja.“We are endlessly grateful to everyone who voted, who believed and continues to believe in what we do, and who resonate with the memories and emotions we embrace through taste and experience. Thank you to the Queens Chamber of Commerce for celebrating not just small businesses, but the faces and spirit behind it. This is for our community and the dreams that are leavened in the warmth of hope.”

Other elected officials representing the area weighed in on the win.
“Cakes, cookies and other goods make any celebration extra special, and Queens knows nobody does baking better than KORA in Sunnyside,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “Flavored by the richness of Filipino culture and cuisine, KORA is truly worthy of being named Queens' Best Bakery. Congratulations to KORA co-founders Kimberly Camara and Kevin Borja — looking forward to stopping in soon to sample some sweets!"
 
“Congratulations to KORA for winning first place in the Queens Chamber of Commerce’s ‘Best Bakery’ competition,” said Council Member Julie Won. “No other bakery has such high demand in Western Queens. Sunnyside is lucky to have Kimberly Camara and Kevin Borja share their Filipino family recipes with our community.”
 
“KORA has been such a sweet and welcome addition to our Sunnyside community since opening its brick-and-mortar location in March. Its journey from a home kitchen in Woodside to being crowned Queens' Best Bakery is a true testament to the power of heritage, heart, and hard work. Every pastry feels like a beautifully crafted piece of art, showcasing the talent and spirit that thrive in our district. My heartfelt congratulations to Kimberly and Kevin on this well-deserved recognition,” said Assembly Member Claire Valdez.
 
"Kora is one of the best bakeries in all of New York City and is most deserving of this recognition," said Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris. "Their delectable doughnuts and other delicacies are a must for anyone looking for delicious sweet or savory treats."
 
In total, residents nominated 22 businesses for this contest. The top three businesses selected by the public were:

1. KORA (Greenpoint Avenue, Sunnyside)
2. Jhoanes Bakery & Coffee (Broadway, Astoria)
3. Rockaway Beach Bakery (Rockaway Beach Boulevard, Rockaway)

In addition to earning the title of Queens’ Best Bakery, KORA received a plaque and a complimentary year of membership to the Queens Chamber of Commerce. The second and third-place winners also received certificates.
 
This is the eleventh installment of the “Best of Queens” food competitions. Prior contests settled debates over the borough’s best pizza, burgers, halal, empanadas, barbecue, tacos, frozen desserts, bagels, pad thai, and tavern.

Press release available for download, below.

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