introducing: Bloom Bake shop
BLOOM BAKE SHOP WAS FOUNDED BY MONICA BEADOIN IN 2020. GROWING FROM A COMMERCIAL KITCHEN SPACE IN HARTFORD WHERE GOODS WERE BAKED FOR POP UP EVENTS AND WEDDING CATERING, BLOOM BAKE SHOP HAS GROWN INTO A BRICK AND MORTAR STORE FRONT ON PRATT STREET IN DOWNTOWN HARTFORD.
Photo Courtesy of Smoove.
SMOOVE:
How does it feel to have a storefront in Downtown Hartford?
ALEX:
We’re so excited to have our storefront open, especially on Pratt Street in the heart of Downtown. The process from finding the right space, negotiating the lease, and the construction build out was long but very worthwhile to get to this point.
SMOOVE:
How has it been working with BL&D?
ALEX:
BL&D has been a great resource for Bloom. We’ve been able to participate in multiple pop up vending opportunities, including many on Pratt Street with Know Good Markets and last year’s Winterfair. This let us test out the market very close to where we hoped to open. We also participated in the Retail Incubator program BL&D hosted with reSET in 2021, and have met so many great other small business owners and small business supporters through BL&D that have been cheering us on from the start.
SMOOVE:
What has been your favorite experience while having the storefront?
ALEX:
Being able to interact and welcome in our customers is our favorite part of having the storefront. It’s great to see people come in around the same time each day and order their regular items. We get to connect with so many different people - who either work or live downtown, who are in Hartford for an event, or even others who are here staying overnight for weddings or vacation. No matter how they find us, we enjoy chatting about the city, all of the new energy on Pratt Street specifically, and other cool things they could or should check out while they’re here.
SMOOVE:
What are your best sellers?
ALEX:
Our brownies have developed their own following, and are definitely something we’re known for. They are flourless and dairy free, so most of our customers (even those with dietary restrictions) can enjoy them. We also love making our signature shortbread cookies with edible flowers pressed on top. Those combine both the baked and floral elements of the business in a way that’s become a representation of us. Our sweet breads, including pumpkin spice, banana, and cinnamon coffee cake, are a part of people’s daily routines in the morning with their coffee or as an afternoon pick me up.
Next time you are in Hartford, make sure you are stopping into Bloom for your next favorite baked good, flower bouquet, and coffee. They are located at 80 Pratt St, Hartford CT.