Let’s be honest. Not all bakeries are the same. I enjoy visiting bakeries that have a few key characteristics. Here are five things I look for when visiting bakeries for the first, second or third time.
Fabulous experience.
While some people want and enjoy tasty treats, others want to have experiences that leave us feeling pampered and cared for. This means good service and an even better ambiance. A great bakery leaves customers feeling like whatever happened before they entered the bakery’s doors is negligible.
The only thing that matters is where they are now – standing in a sea of sweets. Good bakeries make you feel they are essential to your self-care; you leave feeling your soul has been nurtured.
Warm and friendly staff.
The next quality that defines a good bakery is welcoming and friendly staff. This is why I loved visiting Loraine’s Bakeshop. The proprietor, Loraine, had to be one of the friendliest people I’ve ever met.
This is important. Think about the times when you’re most likely to visit a bakery. For me, it’s when I’m planning an event or in the mood for something sweet.
Sometimes I visit bakeries with the intention of brightening up my and someone else’s day. A warm and friendly staff makes the experience all the more enjoyable.
Bright and inviting environment.
Great bakeries offer more than sweet treats. They offer an experience. The experience is shaped, at least in part, by the environment. When the physical structure of the bakery is bright and inviting, it increases the likelihood that I’ll want to visit in the future.
I am a fan of bakeries with modern design, ample lighting and space to move around. For instance, one of my favorite bakeries is Pistacia Vera. Its ceiling-to-ground windows provide an awesome view of the outside as well as plenty of natural light.
An endearing story.
I love a good origin story. It’s one of the reasons I appreciate mom-and-pop shops; I have an opportunity to learn their story and background. This is what stood out to me about the Original Goodie Shop in Upper Arlington, Ohio and Kennedy’s Kakes in downtown Columbus. Both bakeries have devoted owners who are dedicated to quality, customer service and community.
A good origin story makes the baked goods all the more special. When a baker shares how they started and why, I feel more connected to the establishment. I am much more likely return when I know the why behind a business.
Exceptional treats.
A good bakery offers exceptional treats with a distinctive taste. This is why I appreciate Carrie’s Sugar Buzz. She is hands down the best bakers I’ve ever met. Her products are consistently delicious treats.
She also specializes in the products I crave most. While everyone has different palates, I prefer bakeries that offer cakes and cupcakes with character. I like bakeshops that boast cookies that are packed with flavor from the first bite to the last. Of all the qualities I look for when evaluating bakeries, a good product is by far the most important.
Now you have it. These are the elements I look for when considering whether a bakery is worth a second, third or fourth trip.
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