Baking a Difference:
A DELICIOUS WAY OF GIVING BACK
WRITTEN BY MADISON FELDHAUS PHOTOS BY ALICE COREY PHOTOGRAPHY
W
hile visiting downtown Saratoga this holiday season, there will be a noticeable difference from last years’ experience. The Bread Basket Bakery, the Spring Street staple has recently gone through a transition. Established in 1982 by Joan Tallman, sweet tooths have been satisfied by her tempting selection of cookies, pies, cakes, and pastries. The bakery has also quelled the growling stomachs of Saratogians and tourists alike with their addition of breakfast and lunch, courtesy of Joan’s sons Matthew and Chad. From now on the business will be “Baking a Difference,” allocating all profits towards charity causes that directly impact the Saratoga and Albany communities. Ed and Lisa Mitzen, entrepreneurs and philanthropists within the Saratoga Community, have purchased the The Bread Basket Bakery as an entity of their new charity venture. Beneficiaries will include organizations with initiatives which support food insecurity, homelessness, minority causes, children’s causes, animal welfare, and healthcare. In August, Ed approached NLH Property Management about remodeling the space. Mary Wilson, an assistant project manager with NLH, became trusted with executing the vision. She describes design and decorating as “something she’s always wanted to do,” and this enterprise became the perfect way to start. Ed’s concept for the space was “English Cottage,” a description Mary took off with. The Mitzen family’s charity Marketing Director, Pascal Salvatore, illustrates the business as "a community pillar, a place you go if you want to feel cozy away from home.” This atmosphere is maintained through
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the rustic floors and creamy colored paints. The joy and pride Mary has for the team behind the renovation is apparent in the way she speaks about the journey. She relayed Ed’s reaction to her work as having “knocked it out of the park,” and the results clearly show that Mary and NHL are ready to take on more. The changes in ownership and decor still honor the warm business you’ve always loved. Keeping it in the family, previous owner Matthew Tallman still maintains an active role as the General Manager. Pascal refers to her mission as a "Great mix of keeping what’s solid about it, yet updated for the current marketplace.” As a result of COVID, the bakery started offering family style dinners to be brought home and put in the oven. This hit is now a permanent feature on the menu. Breakfast and lunch will continue to be available in the cafe, now open Tuesday through Sunday. The team is also ready to keep making special ordered cupcakes and cakes. You can stay up to date on specials, interact with contests, and celebrate their business by following them on Facebook (The Bread Basket Bakery) and Instagram (@breadbasketbakery). Everyone needs to eat, from patrons of local businesses to those seeking help. By making The Bread Basket a charity based eatery, the Mitzens are providing members of the community an opportunity to contribute within the confines of the climate and their routines. Helping others thrive is a beautiful way to show love for the area and for those who live here… a delicious one too! For more Before & After photos, and more on this story… visit us at www.SimplySaratoga.com!
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
