This submission is via Bristol Rising member, Roberta Allain. She once visited “When Pigs Fly” bakery in Maine, and said the things they bake are simply to die for!
” Bread, real bread as I remember my grandmother made. Perfection!!! And any connection to Pink Floyd would be icing on the ‘bread’ – flying pigs and all. The Honey Oat is my favorite – it makes perfect sense! “
Add in the fact they use all natural, no preservatives, non-bleached ingredients, it’s a perfect marriage of health consciousness meets deliciousness!
Here’s a little info from the website:
“We make old-world, artisan breads fresh every day. Our customers in New England and beyond return to our stores, other retail locations, and our convenient website to purchase and enjoy these classic and specialty breads, each made with the finest, natural ingredients.
At When Pigs Fly Bakery, it takes about 36 hours from start to finish to bake a loaf of bread. When purchasing either our pre-sliced or par-baked breads, you eliminate all the hassles of making fresh bread and enjoy all the benefits. Choose from over 25 handcrafted varieties of classic and artisan specialty breads.”
Apparently they are very popular with the few locales they have in Maine and Mass., and Roberta swears it’s the best bakery she’s ever been to!
So what do you say, Bristol?! Here are some key questions people have been asking:
With the idea of the Artisan Bakery/Cafe would it be like a Panera where you could purchase baked goods as well as breakfast or lunch?
Free WiFi?
Would it be like a coffeehouse with baked goods that can be purchased?
Would they sell sandwiches and salads like Bolo Bakery and Cafe Del Mondo?
Is it a combination of a Borders and Books and a Panera?
Is there such a place in another town that is similar?
[10 likes needed on this comment to change entry name to Artisan Bakery/Cafe]
I think another type of bakery would complement them. Artisan breads, cake pops, gourmet cupcakes, mini cheesecakes etc with a coffee bar would be great. My vision for this type of establishment is a combination of bakery/cafe. That may be just what downtown needs. Local business people could stop in for coffee and a croissant or slice of coffee cake, maybe a sundried tomato basil bagel with cream cheese or just a cappuccino or latte. If residents who live downtown want a loaf of fresh baked artisan bread or some mini desserts to serve to friends after dinner this bakery/cafe could fill that need. There are some similar businesses in neighboring towns like Bolo Bakery in Plainville and Cafe del Mondo in Southington that are just what I’m talking about. Visit them and enjoy the experience.
I propose possibly changing the name to “Artisan Bakery/Cafe” which gives this business diversity and allows people to stop by at all hours during the day. I am thinking along the lines of a bakery/cafe similar to Panera but not a chain business.
I’d love to see a good bakery. Harvest Bakery doesn’t cut it–they have some of the worst baked goods I have ever tasted.
The Super Natural, on the other hand, has incredible desserts. Unfortunately, they are one of Bristol’s best kept secrets. They probably could do a brisk regional trade, a la Mozzicato’s, if people knew how good they are. (Maybe a more appealing or visible storefront?)
I would hate to see Harvest Bakery struggle. They have a good selection, and it’s a family owned business. It would be nice to have an Italian pastry shop where the goods are comparable to New York pastries (not Mozzicato’s). In the mean time, try Mangiafico’s. They know how to make excellent Italian baked goods.
Competition is good for business, however, our local bakery does not need to change product. Stop by there at any given time, but take a number, because that place is jumping! They obviously are doing something right. As for another bakery-how about a great place like Mozzicatos?
Competition is American and a good thing. There are over sixty thousand people in Bristol which means there is room for more than one bakery in our town.
Our longtime bakery hasn’t changed product in 50 years !!!
So, I say great idea if we could get something unique. That is what will help us draw from other communities.