Ellicottville Bake Shop is Open NOW
Ellicottville Bakeshop is Open NOW
New School Looks Meets Old School Taste at Ellicottville’s Newest Business
Photos from Ellicottville Bakeshop and Jessica Schultz, ellicottvilleNOW
Bakery, bakery, bakery!!! I’m beyond excited that the Ellicottville Bake Shop opened its doors to the public this week. Located at 5 E. Washington Street, it promises to be a haven of delicious breads, sweet treats, and comforting classics.
The bakery sports a sleek, modern counter design, large windows and electronic menu boards. Simple tables and a comfortable seating area with a lovely little fireplace really bring home the European cafe vibe. It practically begs guests to grab a bite and sit down to chat with a friend - or twelve - over a steaming cup of coffee. How did we get so lucky?
Owner Jennifer Hogan explained, “My husband (Corey) and I love bakeries; we are always scoping out bakeries on our trips. We were in Ellicottville one day and wanted to stop for something to eat on our way home when we realized that there weren’t that many options for what we were craving, and the idea started to take shape. When we found a new space for our law firm (Tiveron Law) it was much too large and so we decided to put those thoughts to work for the other half of the space, and the bakery was born!”
They’ve got an excellent team, led by Manager Kevin Fisher, set up to keep things running smoothly. Head Baker Mark Notarpole and his assistant, Emma Carpenter, are the bread bakers who will be churning out items like their signature sourdough, Italian, farmhouse white, caraway rye, baguettes, English muffins, bialys and so much more. On certain days you’ll find specialty items such as brioche or sunflower sourdough. During the holidays you may find hot cross buns for Easter or stollen and other Christmas-time novelties. They’ve got an extensive selection of recipes to share year-round.
Then there’s the pastry people. Pastry Chef Katie Cummings and her assistant, Maris Parmelee, will be creating decadent sweets and treats that will satisfy any craving. Think Danish, muffins, scones, brownies, cinnamon and sticky buns, cookies of all kinds like Snickerdoodle, chocolate chip and more. They’re also making some of the tastiest croissants you can imagine, from plain to savory (think ham and cheese) or the famous pain au chocolat (chocolate filled). They will even have butter tarts available, especially for their Canadian visitors.
But that’s not all! (I know, how can there be more?) The bakery will also have some amazing sandwich offerings. Breakfast sandwiches of all kinds - veggie, Canadian bacon or sausage with egg and cheese, salmon lox… Get any of those on a homemade biscuit, English muffin, bialy, etc. Combinations are vast. And, if you prefer, there will be a great selection of flavors of butter, cream cheese and jams.
The best part is that they are striving to source all of their ingredients locally. Jen and Marketing Director Bo Sunshine were very passionate about the topic. Bo stated, “It’s important to work with as many local people as we can. Going right to the farms to pick up items directly. Getting to know who we are purchasing from on a more personal level. It’s key to building a great local business.”
That’s a great work ethic, especially since they’ve got big plans moving forward. Over the next couple of weeks, they will be hosting open houses to acquaint the community with what they are offering, inviting the likes of realtors, shop owners, restaurants. And in the future, they’d love to host some fun events in the bakery. (Maybe a collaboration with RocketCup Coffee in Cattaraugus is in order?)
Of course, I couldn’t resist asking both Jen and Bo what their favorite items from the bakery’s menu were. Jen said, “I love everything, but I’d have to say the croissants are outstanding. They are the perfect blend of buttery, flaky and crispy. Just as good or better as any I’ve ever had, including ones I’ve had in France. They are excellent plain and mind-blowing with additions. (Looking at you, chocolate.) Sticky buns are a close second for me.”
Bo readily agreed about the sticky buns. “They’re like eating caramel corn. Soft, sticky and sweet. Those and the cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting embody traditional homestyle goodness. Which is really what the bakery wants to promote.”
The Hogans both wanted to express to the community how grateful they are for all the support they’ve received for the bakeshop since they started working on the space. Everyone has been very encouraging and helpful, and they are so excited to open and finally realize their dream become a reality. They want to provide a need for locals, not just the tourists that come through, and not just push a menu for the sake of making profit but making what the people want and sharing their love of bread with the town.
The ellicottvilleNOW team is greatly looking forward to some repeat visits. The Ellicottville Bake Shop is open Thursday through Monday, 6:30am-3:00pm. Make sure to follow them on Instagram, Facebook and their website, www.ellicottvillebakeshop.com.
