GREENE – Two longtime friends have put their heads, and their baking skills, together to open a new business in Downtown Greene.
The Village Bakery and Cafe, 62 Genesee Street in Greene, opened a little more than three weeks ago on Dec. 5, just in time for the village’s hometown holiday weekend. And there hasn’t been a dull moment yet.
The tiny shop offers homemade baked goods, daily soups, sandwiches and espresso beverages. Everything from scones and muffins to gingerbread, custom cakes and pies are baked on the premises by owners Sue Borchardt and Mary Parker.
According to Borchardt, the idea for the business has always been something the two talked about. Both of them loved to bake, and Borchardt had been baking cakes out of her home for some time. When they found the perfect location, a storefront in the downtown business district, everything clicked into place.
“We liked the look,” said Parker. “We did a little remodeling, but not much.” Within six weeks of securing the space, they were open for business.
The pair decided to hold off on advertising until after they opened, so they would have time to work out the kinks. But it didn’t quite work out how they planned. Word of the new business circulated quickly throughout the small village. Opening just before the holidays, they were inundated with custom orders as well as casual walk-in traffic.
“We couldn’t turn them down,” said Parker. The pair baked before, after, and throughout the day and were able to get them all done.
“It was awesome. It went really well,” said Borchardt.
Once the holidays are behind them, the new business owners plan to try some new things with their menu, and expand the custom side of their business. They are always trying out new recipes, to the delight of their customers.
The Village Bakery and Cafe is open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. Other hours are available by appointment. For additional information, call 656-9449.