NYC Rooftop Beekeeper Guide

Andrew Coté is no ordinary beekeeper – his bees thrive on the rooftops of some of NYC’s most famous buildings. For fourth-generation beekeeper Andrew Coté, being surrounded by these four-winged insects brings him a sense of calm and connection that runs deep.

“It may seem chaotic, but it’s actually quite calming,” he explains. “The bees’ behavior is predictable and reliable, which I find comforting. It’s a connection to my family that I cherish.”

With decades of experience selling honey at NYC’s farmers’ markets, Coté opened a permanent storefront on Manhattan’s Upper West Side in 2024 called “Nobu & Andrew’s Honey,” named after his son, Nobu, who is not only a ballet dancer but also showing promise as an apiarist.

Coté’s beekeeping duties range from managing hives and selling honey, pollen, and beeswax to overseeing swarm removals city-wide and leading apiarist apprenticeships. What sets him apart is the unconventional placement of his 40+ apiaries on the rooftops of iconic NYC buildings, including Madison Square Garden and Nobu’s ballet school.

These rooftop apiaries enable Coté to produce his unique “rooftop honey,” which can be found in neighborhoods all across the city, from Sunset Park to Harlem to Soho.

While Coté’s love for bees is clear, he believes that many others share a similar appreciation for these vital creatures without even realizing it.

“People who care about the world they live in also tend to care about bees because bees play such a key role in our ecosystems,” he notes.

A program like National Geographic’s “Secrets of the Bees” offers viewers a glimpse into the intricate lives of bees, hoping to spark more interest and compassion for these crucial insects worldwide.

“I believe a show like ‘Secrets of the Bees’ can educate and inspire those who are curious about their surroundings and want to make a positive impact,” Coté adds.

You can catch “Secrets of the Bees” streaming on Disney+ and Hulu, bringing a deeper understanding of these fascinating creatures to audiences worldwide.