Yes, that's right, you guys! You are not seeing things...we are finally opening the doors, and I am so excited! I know, I know...I really thought we'd be open months ago too. I'm still trying to wrap my head around the fact that it's December.  I'm going to write a book (or at least a lengthy blogpost) someday about the myths of opening/constructing a bakery, it's not all cookies and cupcakes let me tell you. Regardless, it is finally happening, yippee!  All in the Good Lord's timing am I right?

More details to come, but now you know and can put it on your calendars, and we can't wait to see you!

ps. Don't you just love the Grand Opening graphic? A sweet friend just whipped that up for me (oh I wish I was one of those people that could whip cool computer stuff out)...check out her blog makeitmyown.blogspot.com 

Thisclose

Today was a big day.  Today was a good day.  Today the bakeshop passed all of it's final inspections. Woohoo!  Which is exactly what I yelled loud enough to echo in the kitchen when the last inspector of the day walked out the door. It's not that I was all that worried that we wouldn't pass, but that it means we are thisclose to opening our doors to all of you!  And thank goodness, because I think I  was starting to lose it a little bit...rising anxiety from having to answer the dreaded question "So when are you opening?"  I've found myself trying out new bread recipes over the last few weeks, admittedly so I could punch something and it wouldn't be weird (if that still sounds weird to you, you should sign up for a baking class when I get those going. Seriously, croissant making can be a real stress reliever.)

OK, so before you show up at the door at 6am tomorrow morning looking for a doughnut muffin, we are not quite there yet.  We have some organizing and training to do, so that when you do walk through our doors, we can give you the best experience.  If you didn't get your hands on one of our grand opening promo cards at the last farmer's market, you can find them over the next couple of weeks at Sharehouse Coffee and Roasters Coffee (Richland and Pasco locations).  While I don't know the exact date of the Grand Opening yet, I know it's going to be lots of fun, with great pastry deals and giveaways.  So be sure to pick up some cards and keep updated here or on facebook (facebook.com/tspbakery) for a "Let's do this!" date. Woohoo!

Sneak Peak!

Hi friends!  So it's been about two and a half weeks since my last post...you know, the one where I told you we were three weeks out?  Well, in my defense I did warn you that construction deadlines are a little (a lot!) iffy.  It's going to be a few more, unfortunately, but it's been a very exciting week! The space has been transformed before my eyes, and it's becoming the retail bakery and class space that I have been dreaming of.  Cabinets and counter tops have gone in, sinks and stove tops have been set, and inspections are starting next week.  So things are moving fast now.  I was most excited today to get to move the glass pastry case in (I can't wait to fill it up!) until we ran into one little setback...it won't fit through the door.  The worst part? It's only off by 3/8 of an inch! I have some vague memory of my husband suggesting I measure it before it was sitting at the bakery doorstep. Oops.  I'm confident my great team will come up with a solution...hopefully my optimism is rubbing off on them.

Hello from tsp Bakeshop! OK let me just say that I realize one post per year is not a justifiable blog.  I am sorry and determined to post consistently…because I have SO much to tell you!  This has been/currently is the craziest, busiest, most wonderful year for myself and tsp.  I got engaged to and married (just 5 weeks ago!) an incredible guy, who not only doesn't think I’m completely nuts for wanting to open a storefront bakery, but is excited and helping in every way he can (which is any way not involving a rolling pin).

That’s right! For those that haven’t heard the big news, tsp has been working towards a storefront shop in the Tri Cities for some time now, and it’s finally happening.  I just came from checking on the remodel of the new space, which is in West Richland off of Bombing Range road, by Yokes.  Official address is: 4850 Paradise Way, Suite 202.  Today I was told 3 weeks out…3 weeks! Holy smokes! Disclaimer: I've been told many deadlines that didn't exactly pan out…story of construction, I’m told.  However, I’m an optimist and give or take a week, we are definitely getting close. I will keep you updated here (promise!).

I can’t wait to show you all the new shop, to serve you freshly baked pastries, to have you for a “holiday treats” class.  It’s going to be sweet!  

Change is the only constant.

I have loved this sweet banner, made by a sweet and talented friend, that has hung over our farmer's market booth for the last two summers. I still love it, but now it is bittersweet.  My sister and her family have moved to North Dakota.

North Dakota?

I know, that's what I said.

Williston to be exact, or just right outside of, or something like that.  You'll have to check out her blog to know exactly where (which she hasn't started yet but I'm sure my persuasive bugging will get her going any day now).

Lisa and I started tsp 4 years ago, almost to the day, and it's pretty incredible to think about where we started, where we are now, and the craziness that's happened along the way.  I know there is a lot of growth (and inevitable change) yet to come for this little bakery and, for now, I am charging ahead on my own.  Lisa motivated and inspired me on the days I wanted to thrown in my apron, and there will be tough days ahead w/out her, but she's only a phone call away and she may not know it (or be on the payroll) but she will continue to be a motivator/inspire-er (yeah I know that's not a word) to tsp.

I'm really less concerned about the business and much more so about how I am going to raid her closet from so far away.  Will I actually have to buy my own cute clothes? Now that is the real tragedy here.