New Store In Fairfield Brings Baklava, Other Treats To Town

FAIRFIELD, CT — If you’re hungry for an authentic dessert experience right here in Fairfield, you will want to check out Nutcracker at 1555 Black Rock Turnpike, just south of Tunxis Hill Road.

Despite being more than 60 years old as a family-run business, it is brand new to town — and, in fact, brand new to the United States as a whole.

A local resident, Khaled H. Khaled grew up watching the success of the original shop, run by first his grandfather and then his father in his native Egypt.

“It is my dream,” he said, having first come to the U.S. in 2012.

Though he holds a degree in accounting obtained in his native Cairo, Khaled spent the past nine years in Fairfield County working as an Uber driver and a gas station attendant, trying to make ends meet for his family and preparing himself for this new venture.

For a long time he used to drive by this particular location — facing Chip’s Family Restaurant, next to Pizza Mediterranean — and would have a gut feeling that this was the location for him to open the country's first Nutcracker.

Finally, in early July, he was able to realize his dream.

The shop is unique, as it brings together a particular combination of specialty dessert and snack items not readily available in other places, including a selection of baklava featuring varieties like Oreo and lotus, as well as traditional pistachio, cashew, almond and much more.

“Nobody does that,” he said.

Along with other sweet treats, like mini Middle Eastern pastries of different varieties, and five types of halvah, there are other staples, including all things nuts.

Khaled not only has fresh peanut butter, but a wide selection of various nuts in bulk.

There are also many dried fruits available — everything from Middle Eastern classics like dates, to more unusual finds like dried cantaloupe and kiwi — all of which are available through bulk purchasing or packaged.

There is also trail mix and other surprises, as well as a great selection of quality chocolates.

Fresh brewed Turkish coffee is also available, with a small seating area for people who want to stop by for a few minutes to enjoy it.

And in order to encourage regular business, Khaled is keeping wide hours, seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., with the store closing earlier at 8 p.m. Sundays.

“Nobody has opened a store like this,” he said.