New Bakery Coming to Ellicottville
New Bakery Coming to Ellicottville
Ellicottville Bake Shop Looking for Your Opinion Before Their Opening in October
Artist rendering of the new bake shop. Photos / Ellicottville Bake Shop
One of the coolest things about life is when serendipity steps into your path. Serendipity: “The occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way.” So, Corey Hogan’s law office (HoganWillig) in the plaza behind the Ellicottville Pharmacy was getting too small for the legal business they were attracting. Plus, they felt they needed more exposure with recognizable frontage. A larger space was needed, so Corey Hogan and his wife Jennifer took a scouting expedition through the village of Ellicottville visualizing where their next office might be located. They discovered that space was available in the mall across from Tops, next to Kwik Fill (5 Washington Street) but the space they were looking at was now too large for their needs.
A dilemma. They liked the location but had no use for something so sprawling. An idea struck. Perhaps there is a need in Ellicottville that they could fill utilizing this larger space? They browsed, they talked to people, they played with numbers, they took a deep breath and said, “an artisan bakery!” And then, Corey and Jennifer thought that fateful, ridiculous thought that so many business creators do when they haven’t a clue of the Pandora’s box they are opening but have the drive and faith to do something good and wonderful - and in their eyes - doable.
The thought? “How hard can it be to bake a loaf of bread?” Makes one think of another well-used expression, “Hold my beer and watch this!” Yep, it could go either way, but the couple was quite confident about their decision. They did their own surveying, talked to many people in similar activities in the community and plunged into plans, finally presenting them to the Village Board.
Talking with Corey and his marketing guy, Bo Sunshine (yes, that is his real name!) one can’t help but get excited hearing the enthusiasm in their voices and their joy in filling a need in Ellicottville. They feel they are working with a win-win. They will have a larger space for the law office, now known as Tiveron Law, adjacent to the space which will house the new Ellicottville Bake Shop. Their excitement for the project seems to have no bounds. Having done their own market research, they now have a survey online https://www.ellicottvillebakeshop.com/survey/ which they ask would-be customers to fill out to give them a grassroots feel of the what the community would like to see in their Bake Shop.
Corey said his plans include top-notch equipment and talented people to create a bakery of consequence, using as many local ingredients and employees as are available to them. Local beekeepers, maple syrup makers, fruit and herb/spice growers should plan on reaching out to them. According to Bo Sunshine, the plan is to offer “handmade, fresh-baked loaves of artisanal bread made the traditional way,” every morning they are open. “Pastries made from scratch including croissants, scones, muffins, fruit bars, macaroons and cookies. Unique, regional menu items will include Canadian butter tarts and NYC-style bialys.” Here’s one of the best parts for those rushing out to work in the morning without breakfast: “Made-to-order hot breakfast sandwiches and freshly ground locally sourced coffee will complement items on our bakery menu.” They place great emphasis about items being sourced locally “for the best quality and greatest benefit to the community.”
The owners have two bakers already on board who have had input in every meeting, every plan, every idea to create this aromatic oasis for guests. They feel that over time, especially in the high season, they will be hiring as many as 15-20 people to assist with the baking/decorating as well as taking care of the customers. Some bakery experience would be advantageous, but there will be positions where employees can learn on the job. The artist’s renderings of the inside are lovely. Guests will be offered amenities like a fireplace and cozy seating where one can sit and read a book, chat with friends, or just enjoy the cozy atmosphere. And, of course, just like in Paris, never leave the bakery without a fresh baguette under your arm, or (my favorite) a box of French macarons.
In talking with the owner, he makes it very clear that this is a team offering. Owners Corey and Jennifer Hogan couldn’t have pulled this off without the team of Marketing Specialist Bo Sunshine, Graphic Designer Amanda Acker, Engineer Jeff Minner, and Head Baker Mark Notarpole, who brings 45 years of experience to Ellicottville Bake Shop, including working as a Head Baker and Chef for the prestigious Walt Disney World Resorts in Orlando and as Head Baker at a prestigious southtown bakery and restaurant for eleven years. Rounding out the team is Ellicottville-area native and Pastry Chef Katie Cummings. Katie attended Alfred State College, receiving a Baking Production and Management degree. Katie has held positions as a cake decorator, barista, bakery assistant manager, and executive pastry chef. Welcome home, Katie.
Menu items will be rotated seasonally and with demand, with their website and social media offering information on the current menu: www.ellicottvillebakeshop.com.
Grand opening is planned for October. Mark your calendars and drive by to watch the progress as Ellicottville’s new, distinctive artisan bakery becomes a reality. I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait!