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Community Corner

'Baked' Owners Share the Ingredients Behind Their Success

Eric and Renata Stemp give a glimpse into their personal lives and how their support for each other has resulted in 'Baked.'

Where do you live?

Lower Macungie

Tell us about your family.

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"We have a daughter Madison who is in second grade at Willow Lane Elementary."

Renata, where are you from originally? Tell us a little about yourself. How did you and Eric meet?

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"I am originally from Poland. I left Poland in 1990, lived in Montreal, Canada, for four years and then came to the United States to Bethlehem. That's where I met Eric while working for his friend's mother."

Renata, what do you do for a living other than support Eric's food ventures?

"Currently I am working for First Niagara Bank as an assistant branch manager and have been in banking for 12 years. I enjoy helping people with their financial needs and good food."

Describe your journey to the point of owning Baked. What have you done in the past to prepare you for this venture?

"I [Eric] have worked in restaurants and bakeries for the past 25 years, including my own bread bakery a few years back called Bread Method Bakery. I have worked at Savory Grille, Glasbern and Tap and Table (now the "Trappe Door"). I have always wanted to own my own little cafe since I attended culinary school."

What do you love the most about owning a bakery in Emmaus?

"What I [Eric] enjoy most about Baked is the people who come and enjoy and appreciate the uniqueness of our cafe."

Do you have any big plans for the future in regard to Baked or otherwise?

"Big plans for Baked include expanding our sandwich and bread offerings."

List three of your top sellers at Baked.

"Three of the most popular items are definitely the Baked Oatmeal, Turkey Sun Dried Tomato Mozzarella Sandwich, and Chocolate Chip Monster Cookie."

In your free time, what do you enjoy doing as a family?

"As a family we enjoy visits to Rodale Park - either to go for a walk or ride bikes. Also, we often go to Symphony Hall to enjoy shows for children. We love to go out and try all different restaurants."

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