Business & Tech
'Der Pioneer' Pastry Shop Owners Say They're Struggling With Inspection Delay
But the Department of Buildings says the issue is at the business's end, and is not with the agency.
KENSINGTON, BROOKLYN — The owners of Der Pioneer, a pastry shop and cafe that's poised to open on Church Avenue, say they've been waiting for three weeks for the Department of Buildings (DOB) to update its records so the business can get its gas service turned on. But a spokesman for the DOB said repeatedly this week that Der Pioneer hasn't scheduled needed inspections, resulting in the delay.
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Der Pioneer is the work of German pastry chef Björn Böttcher and savory chef Greg Barbiero, who told Patch last year that the restaurant is the culmination of their long-standing dream to run their own eatery.
Find out what's happening in Windsor Terrace-Kensingtonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Böttcher and Barbiero originally said they hoped to open by Christmas, but that date was pushed back in the face of unexpected expenses related to the renovation of their space, located at 737 Church Ave. Work slowdowns during the holiday season produced further delays, they said.
But this week, the chefs said that while they're now done with all of their prep work, opening day has been delayed again due to a bureaucratic hold-up with the DOB. The agency has to update its records so that gas inspections can go forward, they said.
Find out what's happening in Windsor Terrace-Kensingtonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
A DOB spokesman, however, said that nothing is snagged on his end, adding that three gas inspections are needed at Der Pioneer — two that the company's contractor can perform, and one the DOB must conduct. Those inspections simply haven't been completed or scheduled, the spokesman said.
Böttcher said Wednesday that he and Barbiero have a point of contact with the DOB who is supposed to help move things forward. The cafe and bakery will be able to open within days after the gas is turned on, the duo said.
While you wait, you can check out the below menu that Der Pioneer is currently offering. And if you're looking for a barista job, you can drop by the business during normal hours, or call 347-435-0132 to get in touch with the owners.
Der Pioneer Menu by JVS Patch on Scribd
Pictured at top: Der Pioneer in Windsor Terrace. Photo by John V. Santore.
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