The Luca & the Five Girls team in front of their store at Cahill Avenue and West 70th Street. The logo on the window is a drawing of Luca, the dog who inspired the brand. Photo: Luca & the Five Girls
What began as a passion project by five 10-year-old girls has grown into a thriving local business. Luca & the Five Girls opened its first store and commercial kitchen last July at the intersection of Cahill Road and West 70th Street. “We worked with so many amazing expert technicians, advisors and bakers last summer to help us set up the bakery. We were learning along the way,” says co-founder Lauren Seim.
Founded in 2017 by Seim, Emery Engelsma, twin sisters Elli and Kate Johnson, and Rylie Nelson, and with guidance from the Johnsons’ aunt, Susan, the founders continue to expand their vision of organic and healthy dog treats. Luca & the Five Girls treats and other items can be purchased at the store. “When the orange “We Are Open” sign is on our sidewalk, stop in for treats, samples, unique toys and leashes … and free tennis balls,” Engelsma says.
Luca & the Five Girls products can also be found at Lunds & Byerlys, local co-ops, online at lucaandthefivegirls.com and Amazon.
