TikTok has become a platform where trends are born and spread like wildfire. One such trend that took the internet by storm started with Norwegian swimmer Henrik Christiansen, who became known as the “muffin man” after showcasing the delectable chocolate muffins served in the Olympic Village during the Summer Games. His posts garnered millions of views and even inspired duplicate muffin recipes, including one featured in The New York Times.
One particular fan of Christiansen’s muffin posts, Kelin Carolyn Zhang, a 32-year-old independent designer based in New York City, decided she wanted to taste the authentic Olympic chocolate muffins. However, the supplier, Coup de Pates, only catered to wholesale orders for restaurants and businesses. Undeterred, Zhang documented her quest on TikTok, which eventually led her to a connection in the restaurant industry that helped make her dream a reality.
After a series of logistical challenges, Zhang managed to secure a shipment of 300 chocolate muffins air-freighted overnight from Paris to New York City. The muffins were stored at Isshiki Matcha in the East Village, where the first pop-up event took place on August 17th. The anticipation for the event was palpable, with a line forming around the block and the muffins selling out within two hours.
The success of the first pop-up event prompted a second one during the Paralympics, with an order for 1,000 muffins to be sold until supplies ran out. Despite the challenges of coordinating the logistics for the events, Zhang and Isshiki Matcha owner Angel Zheng were thrilled with the outcome and the positive reviews from customers.
The hype surrounding the Olympic chocolate muffins continued to grow, with American Olympians and Paralympians sharing their reviews on social media. The muffins, described as chocolate cakes, received rave reviews from all who tried them.
For Zhang and Zheng, the experience was a testament to the power of the internet and the ability to make the seemingly impossible possible. They were proud to have brought a taste of the Olympic experience to a new audience and to have created a memorable and enjoyable event for all who participated.
As for the future, Zhang hinted at the possibility of more pop-up events centered around the Olympics and Paralympics, but for now, they are focused on savoring the success of their shared muffin quest. In the end, Zhang, Zheng, and all those who waited in line finally got to eat like Olympians, thanks to their dedication and perseverance.
