Mario Cantone’s Hot Fellas Pop-Up Rises in NYC
Comedian Mario Cantone became a baker for a weekend, serving up fresh loaves and laughter.
Image: Instagram
Mario Cantone, the actor-comedian famed for his sharp wit on Broadway and HBO’s Sex and the City, turned his culinary curiosity into a hands-on baking adventure this past weekend. The Hot Fellas pop-up at Librae Bakery in Brooklyn saw lines snaking around the block as fans clamored for the fresh-from-the-oven loaves shaped by Cantone himself. On Instagram, he shared, “Our Hot Fellas pop-up got a rise out of everyone this weekend ❤️🔥🥖,” capturing the blend of heat and heart behind the project.
A Comedian’s Unexpected New Gig
Cantone, best known for his Tony-nominated work and his role as Anthony Marentino, traded his microphone for a mixing bowl on June 14 and 15. Images from the event show him in a crisp white apron, hands dusted with flour as he kneads dough and gauges the perfect crumb. Patrons posted shots of golden baguettes, sourdough boules, and playful heart-shaped rolls—each loaf branded with the Hot Fellas emblem.
Before the weekend debut, Cantone had teased fans with an earlier Instagram post: “Big Dough Energy is coming to NYC! Stop by @libraebakery from 10–6 PM EST from June 14–15 for your taste of Hot Fellas 🤓❤️🔥.” That announcement set the stage for a pop-up that sold out its first batch of pastries within hours.
From Stage To Sourdough
This culinary detour follows Cantone’s own social media history of dough-related humor. In May, he quipped “my bread has also risen” alongside stills from his cameo in Max’s And Just Like That. Now, he’s proving he can elevate both punchlines and pan loaves.
Cantone enlisted pastry chef partners to handle large-scale production while he oversaw shaping, scoring and final proofs. One image shows him laughing beside a proofing rack glowing with rising dough; another captures the actor plating a half-dozen mini-baguettes for a delighted customer.
Fan Frenzy At Librae Bakery
By mid-morning on Saturday, the bakery’s sidewalk wrapped around two city blocks. Lines advanced past vintage storefront windows and outdoor seating as patrons chatted about Cantone’s comedy residency at Café Carlyle and his recent streaming appearances. As one fan told the New York Post, “I came for the bread but stayed for the banter—Mario knows how to bake and entertain.”
Throughout the weekend, Cantone paused between batches to joke with guests, pose for selfies and autograph tote bags stamped with the Hot Fellas logo. Staff reported that plus-sized sourdough loaves accounted for 40 percent of sales, while heart-shaped dinner rolls sold out almost immediately.
Looking Ahead For Hot Fellas
With his first New York pop-up deemed a convincing victory, Cantone is already fielding inquiries about a permanent bakery collaboration. He hinted on Instagram Stories that he might return to Librae or partner with other local cafés later this year. “Comedy and carbs—what’s not to love?” he asked in a follow-up post.
Cantone’s pivot into baking underscores his ability to surprise audiences beyond the stage. Whether he’s delivering razor-sharp quips at a comedy club or shaping boules for brunch, his work remains rooted in craft, care and a dash of theatrical flair.
The Hot Fellas weekend may have wrapped, but the buzz it generated is still warming up—just like a fresh loaf out of the oven.
Mario Cantone’s springtime foray into baking proves that with the right blend of talent and yeast, a pop-up can become the talk of the town.
Trivia
Read full bio of Pratibha
