it has taken us far too long to get around to this question (or two).
We get asked a lot of really great questions,
and we love it.So, let’s talk about it.
It’s a twofer question kind of day. As more and more new faces come through our doors daily, we’re hearing two questions a lot. And they definitely deserve an answer.
First (and just before someone new arrives)…”Where are you? I can’t find you.”
The short answer is, we’re at 127 N. Main St. However, we’re not where most people expect to find us.
We are only a couple of blocks from the square in the heart of Sparta, but we aren’t in the usual commercial type space. In August of 2021 my husband and I fell in love with an old, historic house. From the moment we walked in, we knew we wanted to share the house and it’s history with all of you. We feel very strongly that history and beauty like this is too amazing to keep to ourselves. That was the moment we realized our entire lives were about to spontaneously change forever.
These old walls, commissioned in 1871 by an attorney (and built largely by his client in lieu of his legal bill) have sheltered many of Sparta’s citizens and visitors in the past 152 years. From Civil War General George Dibrell all the way to Miss Eula Mae’s Bed & Breakfast guests. Those first days, standing in it’s hand hewn beams and richly stained quarter sawn oak, all installed with square head nails, we were inspired to take a leap. To follow a dream I’ve quietly had for decades. At that moment, suddenly, everything made sense. This beautiful house, meant to be shared, was the perfect setting to share our passions and dreams. The perfect way to help this beautiful house begin it’s new part of Sparta’s story. And maybe the reason we somehow ended up here, now.
That is how the Bakery at 1871 came to be in an old white house, set back on N. Main St. in Sparta. And we wouldn’t have it any other way. To us, this beautiful welcoming house is the perfect place to enjoy this moment in history with our friends and neighbors. And maybe have a pastry.
second (and just after someone new arrives)… “How did I not know about you before?”
About the time we opened our doors to this adventure, a quote came across my morning feed. It said simply, “make a good product and you’ll tell everyone. Make a great product and they’ll tell you.”
Our little bakery started out as just my husband and I, in an old B&B kitchen, making do. To a large extent, nine months later, we are still making do as we grow very slowly. On purpose. We try desperately, every day, to be proud of every single bread and pastry that leaves our kitchen. We set impossible standards for ourselves and, even when it drives us mad, we remain committed to them. Things like using the highest quality and organic ingredients, practicing an artisanal small batch process, and baking fresh every morning. Those standards are our promise to you. Months later, we believe in those standards more than ever before. We also know that great things need to be built on a strong foundation if they have any hope of lasting. Like the massive old growth wood beams holding this house for the last 152 years, we are building this little bakery dream slow and strong. Our high cost of ingredients and very long work days don’t leave room for a flashy marketing budget. At least not responsibly, a baseline we deem as essential as the engineering in a good foundation. To date, we have not spent one penny on marketing or advertising. Which, aside from keeping our prices as reasonable as possible, means, everyday, several new people walk through our doors and ask, “how did I not know about you before?” Or, our favorite comment after finding us, “this is the best kept secret in Sparta.” Most people don’t know we’re here, because nearly everyone learns about us from word of mouth. We could not be more proud of that. No flashy gimmicks or paid narrative advertising. Just good, honest neighbor to neighbor sharing. Truth in quality, from our real customers. Who, to our ever lasting giddiness and joy, tell everyone they know. We are blessed that each of you help us grow slowly, as a strong part of this wonderful town we call home. We’re very happy being Sparta’s best kept secret and hope to grow, genuinely, organically, and slowly, as you learn about us and tell a friend. After all, that is the highest compliment any small business could ever earn. Moreover, its everything we strive for. Even if it takes a while.
See you soon!
The Bakery at 1871
