Mon Mar 17 12:50:00 UTC 2025: ## From Pandemic Pub Closure to Viral Scone Sensation: East Village Baker’s Sweet Success Story

**NEW YORK, NY** – Mary O’Halloran, owner of the newly opened Mary O’s Irish Soda Bread Shop in New York City’s East Village, has gone from facing business closure to experiencing a viral sensation thanks to her family recipes and a little help from social media.

Five years ago, O’Halloran’s pub faced imminent closure due to the financial strain of the COVID-19 pandemic. Encouraged by loyal customers, she began selling her beloved family soda bread scones, a venture that unexpectedly catapulted her to internet fame.

A feature on Brandon Stanton’s immensely popular “Humans of New York” social media account, boasting over 12 million followers, resulted in an astonishing surge in demand. Stanton reports that a single post generated over a million dollars in scone sales overnight.

O’Halloran, who meticulously handles every batch of batter herself, credits her success to precision and the quality of her generations-old recipes. This dedication, despite the overwhelming demand which initially resulted in a year-long order backlog, has solidified her reputation. The influx of orders not only saved her pub but also allowed her to open her own dedicated bakery in November 2024.

Now, customers line up for hours to taste the famous scones, traveling from across the country and even internationally for a taste of O’Halloran’s magic. While the journey was challenging, O’Halloran remains passionate about her work, stating, “I love it, so it’s easy.” The success of Mary O’s Irish Soda Bread Shop is a testament to the power of community support, social media influence, and the enduring appeal of a truly exceptional scone.

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