Mav’s Top Buns in Middletown started as a pandemic hobby and a simple Facebook post: “Would anyone like to buy some cinnamon buns?”
Self-taught husband and wife duo Nikki and Mike Ashkar have redefined what an eatery looks like in the digital world, where bakers and chefs are no longer confined to the four walls of a traditional restaurant. Originally launched in May 2020 and sold only through social media, their elusive, outrageously fluffy buns had fans eagerly chasing weekly drops in local parking lots. While the pandemic was a breaking point for so many, it proved a breakout moment for Mav’s.
What started in the couple’s home kitchen soon led to baking out of ghost kitchens, loading up their car (with their son Maverick in tow), and renting U-Hauls to handle the growing demand. People started lining up, rain or shine, for their fix of limited-edition buns. “People said we were more reliable than the post office,” Nikki laughs.
After three years of roadside hustle, Mav’s officially opened its first brick-and-mortar shop in December 2023. Today, Nikki estimates they’ve made close to 500,000 buns. (Yes, really!) “Seeing how our community has rallied around us is really amazing,” Nikki beams. Their cinnamon craft ed line-up currently features monthly flavors (57 and counting), including fan favorites like Jersey Corn, Ube, and Apple Cider.
While it might be tempting to credit their success to online virality, Nikki will be the first to tell you that it takes real time and effort to show up “effortlessly” online. “Social media takes practice,” she explains, “but it’s so worth it in the end.” Mav’s growth didn’t happen by chance; it happened by consistently putting themselves out there. A continued social media presence has helped shape Mav’s growth, and the brand was eventually able to launch monthly nationwide shipping. It’s been a sweet ride for Nikki and Mike, fueled by their relentless dedication and incredibly tight-knit online community, lovingly dubbed the Bun Cult.
Next up? They hope to get back to their roots and hit the road again soon. Only this time, not in a U-Haul, but in their very own food truck. From farmers markets to festivals, pop-ups to private events, they’re excited to bring their buns straight to the people. Mav’s has always been about meeting their customers where they are, and they can’t wait to do it again—this time, in style. —Sara McMahon
Mav’s Top Buns
1092 NJ-35, Middletown
mavstopbuns.com
@mavstopbuns
