Why Bakeries Make Good Neighbors

When you walk into your favorite bakery, what is it the first thing you notice? Is it the decorated cakes? The rows of chocolate chip cookies, the variety of muffins? More than likely it is the smell of fresh bread or cinnamon rolls just coming out of the oven that makes the space so appealing (it’s not surprising that realtors bake some cookies when holding open houses – the aroma evokes feelings of comfort). When ingredients such as sugar and leavening agents (yeast, baking soda, baking powder) bake in the hot oven, a chemical change occurs called the Maillard reaction, which results in enticing aromas and flavors.

Beyond the smells, what else makes a good neighborhood bakery? A friendly greeting goes a long way to creating an inviting and welcome setting. And if there is seating to linger and partake in those pastries? Even better. People love to be in a relaxed but happening environment where they can meet one another and gather for any occasion. Even when dining solo, what a treat it is to sit in a lovely courtyard or watch people walk by while sipping on a London fog and relishing a slice of cheesecake.

Shopping habits have changed over the years, and neighborhood bakeries are not as ubiquitous as they once were. As small mom-and-pop bake shops close, customers turn to grocery stores, coffee shops and restaurants for their sweets fix. And, during the recent quarantine during the pandemic, there was renewed interest in baking at home (raise your hand if you made banana bread).

Fortunately there are still some independent neighborhood bakeries in our community that we can support, with varieties for all diets and taste buds – gluten-free, vegan, sugar free and of course those traditional desserts packed with sugary goodness. Indeed, the satisfaction resides on both sides of the counter, for the customer as well as the baker or pastry chef who delights in putting smiles on those customers’ faces. Maybe, instead of fences, it’s good bakeries that make good neighbors.