About Maman

Maman founders Benjamin Sormonte and Elisa Marshall have brought to life a melding of our earliest childhood experiences in the kitchen and a nod to their mothers from the South of France and North America. In 2014, Sormonte opened Maman (meaning ‘mother’ in French), a bakery and café also in SoHo, which serves family-inspired dishes and baked goods inspired by the South of France, with partner Elisa Marshall. This sweet collaboration of Elisa, who is a baker and event planner, and Ben, who manages all business elements, has quickly turned SoHo’s best kept secret into one of the most beloved places to visit in New York City and beyond.

On any given day of the week, Maman welcomes sleepy new yorkers, local celebrities, moms-on-the-go, business partners, and friends into one of their many locations. You’ll be greeted by the scent of culinary splendor that wafts through the space.

“The difference between something good and something great is attention to detail”

Maman’s mission statement, “a home away from home that inspires, engages, and celebrates each individual through long-standing family traditions and recipes, charming décor, and thoughtful ingredients.” Known for their signature decor and design aesthetic from the mismatched vintage silverware to the blue and white patterned cups.

Maman’s famous nutty chocolate chip cookie was named one of Oprah’s “Favorite Things” and one of NYC’s best chocolate chip cookies in New York Magazine. Elisa has also contributed for MarthaStewart.com and launched her first-ever cookbook, “Maman: The Cookbook, All Day Recipes to Warm Your Heart,” in the Fall of 2021.