Amityville-based Pleasant Petites is one of Rising Tide’s all-time favorite local vendors. If you haven’t tried them yet, be sure to pick up a Peanut Butter Goji-Berry Brownie, Ultimate Cocoa Krunch, Lovely Lemon Bar or Nicest Nola Bar in the grab-and-go case by the Deli.

For customers who don’t yet know Pleasant Petites, how would you describe your company and your creations? What sets you apart?
Our handmade creations are 100% organic, vegan and gluten-free. We never use refined sugars or preservatives. Our products are nutritious twists on traditional sweets.

Do you source ingredients locally? How important is that to you?
Yes, whenever possible. Most of our ingredients are purchased from a New York supplier, and we try to work with local vendors when possible. Since starting, we have spent time at events and farmer’s markets sharing advice, ideas and personal experiences with other local vendors. There is a communal effort in everything we do.

What is coming around the bend from Pleasant Petites? 
We would love to offer Pleasant Petites outside the local area. Shipments will be available directly from our website in the near future.

What is one thing about Pleasant Petites that most people don’t know?
Every one of our creations is carefully crafted by hand. Preparing ingredients, packaging and labeling them is very time consuming. Our company has three partners: Bobby Nagelberg, Jamie Effman and Jesse Effman. Our families have played a large role in our growth. They have contributed emotional support as well as hands-on help. You might meet Bobby’s mom Teresa, brother Matty or Jamie and Jesse’s 8-year-old daughter Olive in the kitchen, a local event, or at a farmer’s market. We are very proud to consider Pleasant Petites a family-based operation.

When you’re not making and eating sweets, what are your latest food addictions? What do you love that we should all know about?
We are participating in our local Organic CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Project and it has been an incredible experience. Each week, we are able to pick up an amazing variety of fruits and vegetables. We are constantly surprised to discover different types of produce that could be missed when shopping in a store. Our culinary horizons are expanded and we are also helping local communities and the environment.

So many in our community dream of starting their own food business. What is your one piece of advice for launching a successful local biz? 
It is important to get to know and listen to your customers. We have had many informative conversations since we began and their input has been valuable and instrumental to our growth. We have learned more about our products and our mission while developing some very strong friendships.

For more on Pleasant Petites, check out this article in Edible Long Island. Next time you’re at Rising Tide, pick up one of their amazing creations!