Whether you’re looking for a birthday cake, an artisan bread or just something to satisfy your sweet tooth, three new bakeries have got you covered. These new additions to the area’s baking scene differ in both the types of baked goods they offer and their preparation.
So Sweet Lebanese and French Pastries
So Sweet Lebanese and French Pastries is owned by Ahmad Dia, who decided to open up a bakery after growing up with baking and cooking in the house. “We always had baking going on growing up,” says Tony Dia, brother of Ahmad and general manager of So Sweet. “Since we grew up with the craft, we figured it would be a natural fit to open up a bakery.”
So Sweet offers traditional items sold at bakeries, such as chocolate croissants and a variety of cakes, but they also offer several traditional Lebanese items. From Lebanese donuts soaked in sweet syrup to traditional desserts crafted from ricotta and pistachios to sugar-free baklava, So Sweet’s more exotic offerings are perfect for the adventurous sweet-seeker.
4038 Talmadge Rd. 419-474-5445. Search Facebook for “So Sweet Lebanese and French Pastries”
The Next Sweet Thing
Jennifer Haley, head chef and co-owner of The Next Sweet Thing, graduated from Schoolcraft College in Livonia, Michigan with a degree in culinary arts nearly seven years ago. After graduation, she worked as a chef up until 2011, when she decided to focus on her dream of opening a chocolate covered
Oreo business.
“I came up with the idea of decorating [the Oreos] like characters and making them into unique designs,” says Haley. “My first set was Christmas themed with Santa, reindeer and elf characters. From there it just expanded into other holidays like Easter and I’ve even made cookie bouquets for Valentine’s Day.” She eventually expanded the business from home to storefront by opening her own bakery in Mayberry Square.
Haley plans to begin distributing her signature Oreos nationally under The Next Sweet Thing moniker by the end of the summer. In the meantime, Haley will continue to sell her pastries out of the Mayberry Square location.
8252 Mayberry Sq. 567-455-5903. thenextsweetthing.com, facebook.com/TheNextSweetThing
All Crumbs Artisan Bakery
Kelly Thompson, co-owner of All Crumbs Artisan Bakery, was inspired to open her own bakery after learning the craft by observing her mother and grandmother while growing up. “My mother was a horrible cook, but she could bake,” says Thompson. “She and my grandmother taught me to make food by feel. That’s what baking is—feel and science.”
After teaming up with co-owner Gabe LeMay, an expert in the science of breadmaking, the duo got the business up and running in 2012. All Crumbs Artisan Bakery focuses on the artisanal side of baking. “We don’t do cakes or cupcakes,” says Thompson. “We believe in the utilitarianism of bread.”
Croissants, focaccia, sandwich breads and kalamata olive ciabatta are just a few of the hand-crafted breads offered by All Crumbs. Although they currently don’t have a storefront, interested patrons can find their products at the Toledo Farmer’s Market (525 Market St.) every Saturday from 9am – 1pm. Check out their facebook page to pre-order baked goods for pick-up at the farmer’s market and for updates on the soon-to-come storefront.
Toledo Farmer’s Market. 567-395-7572. allcrumbsbakery.com, facebook.com/AllCrumbsBakery