Beloved Greenpoint doughnut shop owner dies at 69, leaving community in mourning
Donna Siafakas took over the iconic Brooklyn doughnut shop in 1993 and spent more than three decades helping turn it into one of the borough's most beloved neighborhood institutions.
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The Greenpoint community is mourning the loss of Donna Siafakas, the longtime owner of Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop, who died unexpectedly last week at the age of 69.
Siafakas took over the iconic Brooklyn doughnut shop in 1993 and spent more than three decades helping turn it into one of the borough's most beloved neighborhood institutions. She later ran the family business alongside her sons.
Employees say Siafakas treated them like family and left a lasting impact on everyone who worked at the shop.
"She really treated us fantastically and that's where she really earned the title as a second mom to all of us," said Averianna Eisenbach, a waitress at Peter Pan.
Customers say the shop became much more than a place to grab coffee and doughnuts.
"Everybody who comes here loves it, and it means more to them than the food and obviously she was a huge part of that," said customer Smoota.
Gene Golebiewski, who has been visiting Peter Pan for 60 years, said Siafakas' death is a significant loss for the neighborhood.
"Donna was a sweetheart," said Golebiewski. "Everybody loved her. Big loss with the neighborhood changing. It's like another pillar of the neighborhood is gone."
Employees say there are no plans to close the business and are committed to carrying on Siafakas' legacy.
Peter Pan has also gained national recognition over the years, including appearing in ”Spider-Man: No Way Home.” Employees recalled how excited Siafakas was when filmmakers asked for permission to feature the shop.
"When they called her to ask her if they could have permission to put the store in the movie and she was like, 'What movie?' And they said, 'Spiderman', and she was like, 'What are you even asking me for?' Those little wins for her meant everything to us that her hard work paid off," said Eisenbach.
Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop will be closed on Wednesday for Siafakas' funeral.
