From Struggle to Stardom
Founder Preston Lopez was raised in Washington Heights, a neighborhood known for its vibrant culture and resilience but also its share of challenges. Growing up, Preston found himself surrounded by a mix of influences: nefarious characters who represented the pitfalls of his environment and hardworking individuals who showed him the power of perseverance. This duality shaped his understanding of the world and instilled in him an unwavering determination to rise above his circumstances.
Life wasn’t easy for Preston. As a young dreamer with a passion for art, music and baking, he often found himself navigating not only the streets of Washington Heights but also the tougher neighborhoods of Brooklyn and the Bronx. Each neighborhood presented its own trials, but they also taught him invaluable lessons about survival and ambition.
Throughout the years, Preston’s hustle was relentless. To make ends meet, he took on various odd jobs, including working the night shift at a local restaurant. These shifts were more than just a paycheck; they were a means of survival. Some nights, Preston would purposely wait until closing, knowing the restaurant would discard unsold pastries. Those leftovers became a symbol of his resourcefulness and his hunger—not just for food, but for success.
Despite the hardships, Preston never lost sight of his dreams. He channeled his struggles into his art, music and love for baking to the grit and determination it took to rise above adversity. His belief in himself became his driving force. “It has not been easy,” he often reflects, “but persistence and self-belief have always fueled my hunger for success.”
Preston’s story is one of resilience, proving that no matter how difficult the journey, success is attainable through hard work, persistence, and the courage to believe in oneself. Today, he continues to draw inspiration from his roots, using his platform to inspire others who are fighting their own battles. His journey from Washington Heights to the stage is a testament to the power of never giving up.
In early 2023, in the heart of his Bronx apartment, Preston Lopez had a spark of inspiration. Baking cookies became more than just a hobby and artistic expression—it was also a means to earn a living. Crackl Cookies was born out of this dual pursuit: to create gourmet edible visual art that satisfies both the palate and the soul.
But Preston’s journey started long before the idea of Crackl Cookies coming to life. At just 15, he got his first taste of the food industry working at Kentucky Fried Chicken. In the kitchen, he learned the intricacies of marinating, breading, and frying chicken, as well as some baking. The following summer, he worked at McDonald’s, mastering the art of scratch-made butter biscuits for the bustling breakfast crowd.
The next year, Preston found himself in the heart of downtown Manhattan, working at Au Bon Pain, a French bakery café. There, he discovered the elegance of baked goods—artisan bread, flaky pastries, and delicate croissants—while also honing his barista skills, crafting cappuccinos and espressos.
Over the years, Preston’s passion for baking extended into his personal life. He became the go-to baker for family and friends, making cakes, cookies, and even pizzas for special occasions. This foundation of experience, paired with his natural creativity as an artist, made it no surprise when Preston decided to venture into the world of gourmet cookies.
Today, Crackl Cookies is a testament to founder Preston Lopez’s journey—a blend of skill, passion, and artistic vision. Each cookie is more than a treat; it’s a piece of edible art, crafted with care and imagination to delight and inspire.
Crackl Cookies
500 8th Avenue New York, NY 10018
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