Mysterious vendor brings sweet treats to Knicks arena events.

A traveling food vendor has been gaining popularity by selling his signature pistachio-filled pastries at various public events in the city.

Last Thursday, a family picnicking at McCarren Park in Brooklyn was surprised by an unexpected vendor who arrived with a tray of authentic Turkish pastries to share.

A vendor approached, greeting with a friendly "Hi," before offering his wares.

The mother's eyes lit up with excitement as if she'd been anticipating this moment all day. A few minutes passed and she was handed two triangular pieces of phyllo pastry separated by a generous layer of vibrant green pistachios. In return, $5 was transferred to the Good Baklava Venmo account.

As soon as the funds were secured, the vendor's attention shifted to a new picnic blanket purchase.

A young entrepreneur, identified in official documents as Jacob Komarow, now operates under the alias Roy Donk, bringing his nomadic business, Good Baklava, to life at Knicks arena events.

The Baklava Guy navigates Brooklyn's parks on weekday afternoons in his distinctive Dodge Ram ProMaster, dubbed the Baklavan. His weekend presence is felt at Greenmarkets in Fort Greene Park and Grand Army Plaza. On a typical busy day, he estimates selling up to 500 wedges of baklava with the help of as many as eight freelance vendors who join him.

A lighthearted idea has unexpectedly evolved into a significant undertaking for the vendor.

The vendor's humor is evident in his past occupation, where he sold baklava disguised as a hot dog character.

The vendor's financials are substantial, with a daily take of $1,500 from park sales and social media collaborations garnering hundreds of thousands of views. Footage of him distributing baklava outside Madison Square Garden on the night the Knicks secured their N.B.A. finals spot has been viewed over five million times in Instagram reels. His enthusiasm for this activity is evident, as he intends to bring his sweet offerings back to the Garden when the finals series commences in San Antonio on Wednesday.

Following his previous marketing stunts, such as the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival expedition in April and the New York City Marathon giveaway last fall, Baklava Guy's online orders have been flooding in. From his Bushwick apartment, he carefully prepares hexagonal boxes of Turkish delight and purple cartons of baklava for shipping. Each package includes a unique touch: wet wipes packaged like individually wrapped condoms and a temporary tattoo inspired by the permanent one on his left arm.

The vendor's sales tactic involves showcasing a particular item that often seals the deal for hesitant customers.

A sweet serendipity led him to baklava. In 2021, he embarked on a cross-country journey following Phish's performances nationwide. As a result of this nomadic lifestyle, his job at a company producing licensed Phish merchandise was terminated. At the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, California, he faced the harsh reality that his bank account would soon be depleted before the tour concluded.

As he browsed through a local shop, his eyes searched for an item that would make him stand out amidst the crowded parking area where vendors were peddling everything from bottled water to grilled cheese sandwiches and novelty balloons.

A colorful display of baklava caught his attention as he glanced up. His upbringing in a traditional Orthodox Jewish home in Passaic, N.J., hadn't typically featured this sweet pastry, yet he sensed an opportunity with the prominent pistachio accent.

He recalls expressing concern that others might assume illicit substances were involved.

A pivotal part of this narrative revolves around the vendor's earlier life, where he resorted to selling illicit substances to fund his travels along the Phish trail. In 2019, a run-in with law enforcement in Connecticut resulted in drug-related charges and a plea deal that obligated him to enroll in an addiction-treatment program. The program required a 30-day stay at what he described as "the coolest rehab on the planet." However, his progress was short-lived due to a relapse. He eventually found steady work, but it ultimately ended with termination.

The vendor's transformation into Roy Donk coincided with the introduction of baklava to his life, a sweet treat that somehow merged with his identity. His real name remains unspoken, yet readily accessible on the internet for those willing to dig. This enigmatic persona now sells treats at Knicks arena events.

The vendor's enthusiasm is palpable as he exclaims, "It's all about the Roy." He's moving forward with his business.

The Baklava Guy's sales tactics, originally employed as a dealer in controlled substances, have been repurposed for his sweet treats. His affable demeanor allows him to effortlessly engage with customers, maintaining a smooth flow of conversation without ever sounding scripted. He informs patrons that the baklava is crafted by layering and freezing it in Turkey before baking it within New Jersey's borders.

His vendors proudly declare their products contain "no drugs," a slogan echoed in various Good Baklava-branded items sold at events. This claim often sparks amusement among locals in Brooklyn.

At Knicks arena events, vendors aren't questioned about their products. However when he sells elsewhere, like Phish concerts, inquiries arise.

Omer Kabasoglu, owner of the espresso cart, was approached by a vendor interested in creating a unique dessert drink for Knicks arena events.

In the past, this vendor has negotiated some remarkable trades, including swapping his goods for pizzas, sushi, four exclusive VIP passes to the Peach Music Festival, airline upgrades, and even a complimentary checked bag.

Baklava makes a perfect companion for navigating airport terminals, according to him.

A chance encounter occurred between the mysterious vendor and a dancer in Fort Greene Park, where they discussed their shared pasts. The dancer had previously performed in a Michael Jackson tribute show held in Turkey.

Near the lawn, Camila Vilá discussed her eyebrow transformation with a vendor, whose focus shifted from food sales due to her pistachio allergy. The absence of baklava transactions was notable, given Ms. Vilá's condition. She had successfully reduced her sensitivity to other nuts through gradual exposure after taking Benadryl medication.

Ms. Vilá's gaze drifted to the scattered pistachios as she conversed about a potential video collaboration with Good Baklava, where they would recreate her signature treats together. Meanwhile, she discreetly plucked a stray green morsel from the tray and savored its flavor.

The vendor, known as The Baklava Guy, kept a watchful eye on the woman. He inquired about her emotional state with genuine concern.

She expressed satisfaction with her current situation, exclaiming "I'm fine."

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