Weeks after being involved in a car accident, actress Kristen Stewart has finally decided to settle down and grow up. Having taken a break from the limelight, Stewart has now closed down the iconic Blue Jay plant on Mulberry Street in New York City. The popular candy store has been a home away from home for the actress for years, and Stewart has frequently visited the shop with her friends. Now that she’s moving forward with her life, the 30-year-old has decided to give the shop a proper send-off.
Mulberry Street is arguably the most famous street in New York City. Home to luxury stores, trendy restaurants, and historic theaters, the street has something for everyone. Walking down the street is like falling into a fantasy; all you need is a designer handbag, some good sunglasses, and a little bit of swag.
It’s been a wild few years for Stewart. The actress rose to fame as a teenager, appearing in the mega-hit series ‘Twilight,’ where she played Alice Cullen, the pale vampire protagonist’s best friend and accomplice. The films were based on a series of bestselling novels by Stephenie Meyer, and the films were huge successes, grossing nearly $4 billion worldwide. Since then, Stewart has gone on to appear in numerous other films and TV shows, often playing quirky characters.
While the series was initially inspired by the lifestyle of famous author Alice B. Toklas, Stewart now leads a normal life. The actress has frequently been spotted out and about with her friends, including her recent trip to Brazil with her husband, filmmaker Logan Summers. Since the couple met while working on their documentary about the 2016 Rio Paralympics, they’ve been busy adding to their family with baby moves. The couple became parents for the first time in August 2018 when their daughter Kaia Grace was born. The family’s new home is a charming apartment in the West Village.
The History of the Blue Jay Plant
Founded in 1914 by Hungarian immigrant Max Bick, the Blue Jay has always been a hub for New York City’s social scene. At the time of its inception, Max Bick was inspired by his wife’s frequent visits to the candy store when she was pregnant. Mrs. Bick craved salted caramel and chocolate, which is now the name of one of Blue Jays’ most popular bars. The store also created a special pregnancy bar that was sold at the time of Mrs. Bick’s confinement. This sweet treat was comprised of chocolate, chopped nuts, and cream cheese and sold for ten cents. The couple’s other store, located on East 42nd Street, closed down shortly after. The storefront was later used as a location for the films ‘Sex and the City’ and ‘Cabaret.’
In 1938, the store was acquired by New York University and has remained a part of the institution ever since. In the 1950s and 1960s, the store became a place where celebrities would meet and greet, with some notable attendees including Elizabeth Taylor, Grace Kelly, and Marjorie Merriweather Post. In recent years, Mulberry Street has become a popular place for photographers and artists to come to capture portraits, often with a vintage feel. In addition to attracting New York City’s fashion scene, the store also attracts tourists from around the world, with more than 500,000 people visiting each year. The famous candy store is now located at 888 Mulberry Street, New York, NY 10012. Visitors can find it by simply searching for “Mulberry Street.”
The Blue Jay Reopens As A Plant
Now that the actress is done playing in the big city, Stewart has decided to give the candy store a proper send-off. The store’s flags are flying high above the entrance to welcome patrons with a nostalgic flourish. The interior has been beautifully restored, with polished wood floors, buttery yellow walls, and antique furniture. A walk-in closet, a guest bedroom, and a powder room complete the layout.
Inside the store, visitors will find an array of nostalgic sweets. The walls are lined with antique mirrors and chandeliers, giving the interior a gilded charm. In addition to the original marble counter, the candy store features other marble spaces for customers to sit down and enjoy their confections. A vintage soda fountain is tucked away in the corner behind the counter, while an archway in the back leads to a private dining room. The guest bedroom features a small garden, which guests can enjoy through patio doors that lead to a private terrace. A sign on the outside of the building advises customers that the store is closed due to renovations, but inside it’s a different story. As soon as you walk through the door, you’ll feel the charm oozing from every wall.
The Grand Reopening
The grand reopening of the Mulberry Street candy shop was a sight to behold. Updating the building’s signage and adding a hint of glamour were just a few of the details that make this sweet shop stand out. From the outside, the store looks exactly as it did way back in 1914, but inside it’s a different story. Ornamented in golden hues, the interior of the candy shop reflects the color and style of the era when it opened. With its high ceilings, marble floors, and elaborate molding, the interior design is defined by early twentieth century opulence. A walk-in pantry, a walk-in closet, and a guest bedroom complete the private residence-like setting. A powder room and a guest bathroom complete the design.
Located at 888 Mulberry Street, New York, NY 10012, the sweet shop is open daily from 8 AM to 10 PM. For more information, please visit their website at www.bluejaynnyc.com.