ROCKINGHAM — Baker Bambi Provenzano moved to Rockingham in 2006 and was driving through downtown when she saw the former bakery on the square.
It was then she decided that someday she’d like to offer her baked goods in the downtown area — and soon that will become a reality.
Provenzano, along with her partner Jennifer Thomas, will open up Kool Kakes Bakery and Café in the former gas station next to Bold Moves Dance Company “hopefully” by Feb. 1, Provenzano said, and if not, by Valentine’s Day at the latest.
“I’ve always wanted to be in downtown Rockingham,” she said. “I started decorating cakes a year after that (2006), so for the last three years, my partner and I have been trying to open one up.”
Provenzano has been baking sweets and treats in her home kitchen for the last nine years and has been selling her products at the Hive Recreation Center. Now, all her goodies will be available exclusively downtown.
Kool Kakes will be more than just sweets as fresh-baked bread, bagels, biscuits and yeast rolls will be up for grabs in addition to candies, cheesecakes, cheese straws, Italian pastries, homemade ice cream and the custom cupcakes and cakes that have made the company famous.
Prices haven’t yet been set because of the wide variety of goods that will be offered, Provenzano said, but she and Thomas have been doing research in the local area to compare prices that will be fair to consumers.
The duo received the keys to the new shop Monday and have been moving in commercial ovens, refrigerators, cabinetry, custom tables and other basic furniture all week.
Provenzano said the only things left to do before opening is to finish furnishing the interior, plumbing and some decorating.
For more information, visit the Kool Kakes page on Facebook, call 910-995-6889 or email [email protected].
Reach reporter Matt Harrelson at 910-817-2674 and follow him on Twitter @mattyharrelson.
