Nearly every person who has entered the bakery in the past few weeks has said “You look so ready!!”
We feel ready, but we know there are still lots of little touches to make the space special + perfect. Thanks to Lauren for her insight and guidance!
Today was all about those details, and tomorrow, along with lots of employee training!
My grandmother’s art is now on the walls!
I’m so happy to have it there!
We picked up this cute cupboard at Possessions Recycled – our go-to chic furniture store now!
Lauren also thought to put PLANTS outside the doors. Genius!
Chalkboard everywhere!
I got a surprise visit from KERF reader Dani, who is vacationing here in Cville for a few days. She brought me TREATS!! Treats are so not a requirement to meet in person, but they are always accepted enthusiastically – thank you Dani! She’s from Vermont and brought maple syrup, chocolate, pancake mix, apple butter, marinade and a bowl!
We also did a little training and made GRANOLA! SO SO good!!! It was my afternoon snack!
We finally wrapped up around 7pm and headed downtown for dinner
Strawberry Puree was on special!
But I actually got a Blackberry Lemonade with Maker’s Mark!! Yum!! And so refreshing on this hot, hot night.
Thanks to Janet, Lauren, and Mike (of the St. Cloud, Minnesota Great Harvest – any locals in the house?!) for their help this week!
Mike shared his caesar salad with Matt and me. Hello polenta croutons!
And we each enjoyed a fritter – stuffed with cheese!!!
I had a really tough time choosing entrees!!! When we went to Zocalo two years ago, I got the Vanilla Orange Scallops and they were incredible! But when we went with Karen a few weeks ago, Matt’s Black Bean + Corn Chili Rellano pepper over smoked grits was also incredible.
Matt and I decided to each get one. I swear, these are the BEST two entrees in the city of Cville!!
I couldn’t pick a favorite. But the vanilla bean is really, really good!
Once we got home, I took my bike out for a spin. I actually don’t think the tire is losing air. Two blocks and a jumped curb later, it seemed to hold the air fine. Maybe it was just psychological this morning!? I definitely have a psychology with tire air. I always think my car tires look low (thanks Dad!)
I am creating a puddle in this computer chair and must get to bed for a super duper big day tomorrow!! Nite!
kaila @ healthy helper! says
I love that you are outfitting the bakery with such meaningful stuff! Your grandma’s paintings, recycled antiques….love it all!
Laura Jane @ Recovering Chocoholic says
It looks like it’s all coming together so well! I love the quotes on the wall! I’m glad your tire is okay. I actually had a weird occurrence in my car the other day. I was convinced that the tire was going flat, but it was fine. I think it was a combination of a bumpy road and a very windy day.
Krissy - Shiawase Life says
Yummmy! Oh, and did you see that the next Restaurant Week has been announced!?
http://cvilleyum.com/
July 11-17! =D
KathEats says
Wooo!
Averie (LoveVeggiesandYoga) says
“cute cupboard at Possessions Recycled – our go-to chic furniture store now!”– Oh I wish I had something like that near me. One of a kind type stores w/ one of a kind, i.e. recycled/repainted/refurbished furniture are awesome! I do actually have some trendy/chic places like that in san diego but gosh, how fun for you. Any lucky!
Tires always looking low…I am OCD that way!
St Cloud, MN…I grew up about an hour from there and TONS of my family lives there. I’ll take San Diego though and just go up there for visits. lol
Get some sleep and the store looks awesome!
Mary Frances says
Newer vehicles have the computer technology to continually provide the operator of the tire pressure and a separate warning light if the tire pressure is too low to operate the vehicle. Hopefully, sooner than later, all vehicles on the road will have the benefit of this potentially life saving feature.
KathEats says
Wow, I need a new car then!
Averie (LoveVeggiesandYoga) says
I have a feature like that on my car. But it’s not foolproof, well mine’s not.
My real issue is my jogging stroller. I’d rather have a flat car tire than a flat stroller tire. 🙂
Emily says
SO jealous I don’t live closer! And so very very excited for you guys – can’t wait to read the opening day blog post!!
L.G. says
You should learn how to change flats yourself! 🙂 I JUST learned last year and believe me, if I can do it, you can!!! I carry a spare tube with me all the time because you never know when you’ll get a flat again!
lynn @ the actor's diet says
your grandma’s art is awesome. so lovely to have it there!
Courtney says
Love your blog and excited that some of my fellow Minnesotans were visiting you to help with the bakery! I live in a suburb of St.Paul, MN so St.Cloud is only about 1.5 hour away. Good luck with the rest of your preparations!
Christine says
I’m so in love with that chalkboard paint. I’m hopefully moving soon and will definitely find an excuse to use it.
Holly @ The Runny Egg says
I am about 2 hours from St. Cloud but I’m a proud Minnesotan so I’m glad they are helping you out! I love the flowers outside — it just makes it more inviting.
J3nn (Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) says
Love the planters outside the store! Great idea. 🙂
Polenta croutons?! I didn’t know that was possible. Sounds SO GOOD!
Annie@stronghealthyfit says
The bakery looks fabulous! I LOVE the paintings. Good luck! 🙂
Mandy says
I live in a suburb of st. Paul, MN and get my Great Harvest bread at the Woodbury, MN location. Great ownership there, too!
Chloe (South Beach Girl) says
That dinner looks DELICIOUS! And I’m happy to see the bakery is now getting some special & homey touches. It’s so great that you and Matt are running your own business that you can personalize for your customers 🙂
sarahMTSBB says
your bakery looks SO amazing! things are going so well for me in winston that i can’t regret not choosing uva, but i also wish that i was in cville to be one of your frequent customers!!! good luck even though you don’t need it!
Roseanna Schiralli says
I as well always think the tires on my car are low!! lol that’s hillarious!
Can’t wait to hear all about your opening day and my visit to your bakery one day – it looks amazing!
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen says
Polenta croutons sound like such a good idea!
Allie (Live Laugh Eat) says
You find the best things at Possessions Recycled. I went there and Circa, but didn’t find anything that resembled what you’ve been getting! I must not be hunting hard enough.
Caley says
Holy crazy, I was born and raised in Saint Cloud, MN! I knew I recognized the Great Harvest logo! What a great coincidence.
I love your grandma’s artwork! So original!
Marci says
I have a 6th sense for car tires too! Thanks to my dad too. I can feel when something is off and know where to look. Funny.
Jenny @ Fitness Health and Food says
I LOVE your mission! so awesome and appropriate! 🙂
Everything is looking amazing and how great that you get so much support from the company! 🙂
Best wishes! 🙂
char @ char on a mission says
Wow, those dinners DO look like the best one’s in town! I could really use a good dinner! What an awesome reader to show up – that must have been a nice surprise 🙂
Ashleigh says
Crazy what a small world it is, I live in Saint Paul about an hour away from St. Cloud! We have a Great Harvest about 3 blocks away from our house but haven’t stopped in yet, I will have to add that to the list of things to do!
Justeen @ Blissful Baking says
The personal touches in the bakery look great!
Mama Pea says
Lulu created a puddle in her chair tonight, but somehow I don’t think we’re talking about the same thing…
KathEats says
HA!!
staceyhealthylife says
It’s all coming together. Best of luck!!!! Get a good nights sleep so you can tackle another day. 🙂
Jil @ Big City, Lil Kitchen says
I’m the same way with my car tires! and the bakery is lookin’ phenomenallllllll!
Khushboo says
It’s Wednesday now in Mumbai which means you’re opening day after tomorrow! Ah looks like you guys are on top of your game 🙂
Brittany @ Eating Bird Food says
GH looks like it’s shaping up quite nicely in the photos. Can’t wait to see the place in person!!
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
How cool that you have your grandmother’s art hanging! I especially like the one on the right.
Your dinner looks amazing – rellanos are impossible for me to pass up!
Lesley Lifting Life says
It looks amazing, and I absolutely love your grandmother’s art work!
angie giambruno says
Local in the HOUSE! Hi Mike!
Sarah Rose says
Kath you’re almost at opening day!! Best of luck!
Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife says
oh it is looking SO good. I love the flowers outside the doors, awesome touch!
Kate (What Kate is Cooking) says
I’m always paranoid about my car / bike tires too! I swear when I least suspect it, they lose air. Hope yours hold up!
Ashley says
LOVING all of the vintage furniture!!! I need to scope out some garage sales around here. Everything looks great…especially your drink. Sounds like the perfect combo. 🙂
Alaina says
The store looks so good! Those fritters look like aroncini that I love to get at Italian restaurants. 🙂
Kristen @ The Red Velvet Life says
Everything looks so cute! Cville looks like a lovely place to live 🙂 I miss hot nights from TX…don’t get many of those in CA, but I can’t complain.
Emily says
So exciting! Wish I could be there to try some of the baked goods… Yum! Looks like it’s all coming together.
Marina says
Your bakery looks beautiful! I hope you’ll post a lot of pictures once it is all done and open, for us that are far far away from it 🙁
Good luck with the rest of the work!
The Healthy Engineer says
“Treats are so not a requirement to meet in person, but they are always accepted enthusiastically”
My motto in life. I lovvve treats 😀
Jun says
Hi, I’ve a question. I see you running quite often and regularly, but never read of any injuries (say, shin splints?) so far. Not hoping that you’d get injured of course, just wondering how you prevent them to occur.
Thanks!
KathEats says
Well I take it easy! I never run 2 days in a row unless maybe I’m traveling and really want to. I also don’t pile on the miles. I did run a half marathon last year – and I got injured!! I just don’t think the body (well, perhaps just my body) is designed for long distances. I would love to train for a marathon to say I did it, but I just KNOW I would get hurt.
So I keep running recreational and do 4-6 miles a few times a week.
Mary Frances says
Also, if you are currently running at what Kath’s recommendation is and you are still getting shin splints:
* Have your shoes lost their support?
* Are you stretching before and after running? Do heel walking to stretch and/or exercise bands.
* R E S T
* Ice
* If using treadmill, use slight incline. Mix up work outs and use eliptical in between-even aerobics with jumping is too much impact.
* If running, shorten your stride so you have a shorter footfall.
* Most people get them from running hills, and not having proper running form–tending to land heavily on the heel–runners should aim for mid-foot. When you extend your foot with your heel down and toes up, it flexes the shin and causes those pains.
If you are looking for running shoe recommendations, see Kath’s post from just over a year ago–the last post of the day on March 17, 2010 entitled, “Make New Friends” — has lots of comments, too!
If you are able to wear Dansko’s Shoes with your every day work/routine while unable to be resting until shin splints are healed, it would also be helpful.
Good luck, and you may soon be pain free 🙂
Jun says
Thanks! I will bear what you guys say in mind. Have a nice day!
Cait @ Beyond Bananas says
Your grandmother’s artwork is beautiful. How nice to be able to share it with all of your customers..sharing it in such a public way (and you will get to see it ALL the time too!)
I love chalk board paint! Whoever invented that stuff is seriously genius!
Jumanah says
Those meals definately look delicious!
I love your grandmas paintings! Awesome!
Lauren at Keep It Sweet says
Love the quote up on the wall!
Emily says
Kath! So exciting that things are coming together. I can’t wait to read more about your bakery adventures. It is also pretty cool to me to see an RD doing something so awesome in a non-clinical setting. 🙂
Katelyn @ Chef Katelyn says
Wow!! Your grandmother’s art is so beautiful, it is such a great thing that you can display it. Also chalkboards are my favorite thang…especially when businesses paint the menus on the board!
Lauren says
That dinner looks sensational! Everything from the polenta croutons to the blackberry lemonade to the scallops! Oh my! 🙂
Miranda @ Working Mom Works Out says
The flowers outside the door add a great touch! And dinner looks amazing! I wanna visit Cville!
Simply Life says
I love seeing the extra little touches- that is the part I’m the worst at! Looks GREAT!!!
Karen says
Oh, how I have long-adored your grandma’s artwork and the placement in your bakery will meld perfectly with its folksy warmth. I love that artisian style and pick up unique objects at galleries and art fairs in that realm for my home. Love the new cupboard and flowerpots at the entrances too.
That granola looks devine!
I share your sensitivity to flat tires…I am always imagining my tires are nearly flat!
A Teenage Gourmet (Sami) says
I’m SO excited to see you in C-ville this fall, Kath!!! UVa is going to be the time of my life, I can already tell! I couldn’t have chosen a better place (or better people) to live with.
Karianne says
St. Cloud Minnesota – hollah!
I live in Austin (MN) but my whole family is from St. Cloud!
Molly @ RDexposed says
Nothing tops a housemade crouton. I’ll be thinking of those croutons all day at work.
Caitlin says
your store looks beautiful. My family has been in the restaurant business for over 60 years, and it can be very challenging, but so worth the effort. Good luck to you!
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin says
The flower pots add such a nice touch to your store front! Good luck with the next few days!
Angela (Oh She Glows) says
I LOVE that cupboard!! Arent recycled pieces the best finds?
Angie says
I love that everything is going great, and I love the Mentor, OH Great Harvest.
I gotta say, though, when I see religiously-themed art on walls at locally-owned stores, I tend not to go back. Just a heads up through a customer’s eyes.
Good luck this week!
KathEats says
Matt and I are anything but religious. I consider them historical.
But I know what you mean.
But I also think that’s a pretty sad reason not to patronize a business.
Jennifer says
I am not what you call religious either. However, I think religious artwork is beautiful. Your Grandmother did a beautiful job. I have always admired her artwork that I have I seen on here.
JenATX says
just curious.. why don’t you go back? Does that mean you don’t go to Chick Fil A either (since they’re Christian based). Because if not, you are seriously missing out on their waffle fries. YUM
Lisa says
In N Out’s stuff has notations to biblical passages, and that doesn’t stop the patrons from buying their stuff, the lines are never short! (In n Out is a popular west coast hamburger place known for the fresh products). I don’t think a business will lose lots of clientele based on biblical artwork. Clientele will first be lost by poor customer service. Also i had to go back to look at the artwork, I’m not a religous person either and i was seriously not offended.
Megan (Running Foodie) says
I AM a religious person and did not immediately recognize the art as religious!
Caitlin says
same here. I went back and looked morec losely at the paintings, and see the religious significance in them now. However, I agree with Kath in that one’s religious preference(or lack of) should not dictate whether you will patronize one’s establishment.
Angie says
It’s true that I also don’t patronize Chick Fil A. It’s just a way of voting with my dollars. And for my dollars, I want a secular organization and a secular feel. I know not everyone feels the same way. And, as mentioned below, it certainly doesn’t hurt a lot of businesses (such as In-N-Out)–some customers might really appreciate it, or not notice at all.
First thought on artwork: religious. Second thought: beautiful, fun, artsy. Still, if money is a vote, it doesn’t take much to vote for something else since there are so many places to spend money and so little money to go around. (It’s not a matter of being offended. I’m not offended by religious displays, I just prefer not to support/pay money for them).
Lisa says
ehh.. you can’t please them all! yay for all those othernon offend peeps that can vote with their money as well! 😉
Mary Frances says
Dear Angie,
I am going to make some assumptions here, so forgive me if I am wrong. Since you have referred to some other ‘American’ establishments in your comment, I am going to assume you currently live in the United States. Therefore, I am very confused and torn as to what your motive is–bless your heart, but you are either a hypocrite or ignorant. Hypocrite because you refer to spending your dollars (again, a US currency) which clearly states on every note and coin down to the penny “In God We Trust”. How can you touch the stuff? I guess you will either have to move out of the country or use entirely plastic from now on (but even that is still tied into our currency). I thought Ignorant, because possibly you simply just never looked and were not aware of what passed through your hands. A third option is, don’t you have anything better than to ney say such a happy time? …Bless your heart 🙂
Mary Frances says
BTW, the meaning behind the one painting is something to the effect to be aware and careful of your actions and what you say because you never know who you are with or being watch by…it may even be the Holy Spirit.
Kelly says
Mary Frances, you should start your own blog you right so frequently on here : )
Kelly says
*write
Christena says
I really don’t think you are going to lose any customers over this art that wouldn’t leave for some other reason, being that easily offended! Most of my local ethnic restaurants have religious-themed art — and I’m not offended even though those religions are different than mine. The whole reason why I love local businesses is because you get to know a person/family and all of the things that make them unique (even though clearly religion is not one of Matt & Kath’s characteristics). The art is personal to you & has a family connection & that is awesome.
Ashley says
i have issues with tire air also thanks to my dad- “that tires lookin’ a little slack”! lol
Amber says
I love the way you are decorating! Your grandmother’s artwork is awesome, what a talented lady!!! I love reading your posts every day and you even inspired me to find a Great Harvest near me! I am planning on swinging by there today to check it out, but doubt the place/people will be as cool as you! You rock!
Katie @ running4cupcakes says
Whoop Whoop Minnesota!!! I live in Mankato, MN (about 3 hours from St. Cloud!)
Diana @ frontyardfoodie says
Oh my gosh I need furniture like that! I don’t think we have a cool store around here but I’m officially going to start looking for one.
Jessica says
Proud Minnesotan but I am about an hour and a half from St. Cloud.
Erin @ small things says
Planning to pick up some Great Harvest bread at my local shop (Evanston, IL) in honor of your opening this week!
Doc (The Healthy PhD) says
Your shop looks awesome. Makes me want a GH where I live!
I’m also super paranoid about low tire pressure. I had a blowout on the interstate at 2am when I was a teen, and fixing that tire in the dark in central MN taught me my lesson!
Katherina @ Zephyr Runs says
The bakery is coming together so quickly! Can’t wait for your “WE’RE OPEN!!!” post! Oh & those 2 dishes look… exquisite.
Mallory says
I love that you are doing this. Everyone should find something they are passionate about and just go for it!
Bree says
I was born and raised in St. Cloud 🙂 St. Cloud Proud! I have been to the Great Harvest there a handful of times. I have been to the Minnnetonka, MN location a few times as well, as it’s closer to where I live now. Each one I’ve been to has been delicious!
Laura says
you seriously have the best of both worlds with great harvest! how awesome you have SO many of your own personal touches and have so much say in the design, layout, menu, etc, but yet have the “name” of great harvest and amazing support group backing you up! this makes me want to own my own bakery instead of trying to start from scratch for that “family bakery” feel… props to you and matt! what would you say has been the MOST difficult process?? do you feel conformed at all?
KathEats says
Most difficult – construction! I guess. It all has. Just the unknown. We dont’ know how to do any of this – from buying equipment to signing a lease. It hasn’t been hard, just very scary
Angel7 says
The ambiance of your Great Harvest store looks warm and inviting! It is all about the ambiance!!!
Both dishes look absolutely phenomenal!!!
By the way, I had a thought… When you have the time — which may be an understatement 🙂 — you should make a tab on your blog for the The Best I Ever Had–like the Food Network show–restaurants in C-ville for your readers who may visit the area. You may already have this on your blog, but I am kind of new, and I have not noticed it.
http://faithfulsolutions.blogspot.com/
Mary Frances says
Angel7,
At the very top of Kath’s Blog under her colorful header with the oats, seeds, flowers, spoon, etc. on the cutting board with the name of the blog, there is an orange bar with various tabs to select from left to right beginning with: Home, Kath, Kerf Favorites, Tribute to Oatmeal, Videos, Recipies, Recipage, Shop, Cville—that’s the one to push!, Press, Archives. If you click on the orange tab labeled Cville, it brings up a whole lot of cool info. Happy reading, eating…and planning your trip to Cville! 🙂
KathEats says
That’s a great idea! I gotta find the time first 🙂
Gina (Yogattude) says
I just love summery cocktails! Your bakery is going to be fantastic!
Claire @ Live and Love to Eat says
Polenta croutons??? Genius! The whole meal looks fantastic!
britt says
if i ever head up your way, i am for sure stopping by the bakery and then eating dinner at that restaurant and ordering those exact dishes. yummm!
melissa says
Kath,
I have been a longtime KERF reader but this is my first time commenting! I am from St Cloud and have been to the GH here in town. Wonderful store and people working there! Good luck to you and Matt with your bakery, it looks wonderful!
Katie says
OMG, I was up in C-ville this past weekend and went out to eat with my BF at Zocalo… We split the cheese plate and the black bean and corn relleno! SO GOOD! Then, he proposed to me later that night! I will always remember that evening… and that meal 🙂
KathEats says
Congrats on the proposal!!!!!!!!!
Anna says
My boyfriend and I went to C-ville this past weekend too! We did a few hikes (Old Rag, Jones Run), stayed in Charlottesville, and ate in the historic downtown area. (I think we’re both addicts of the frozen yogurt already.) We made a stop by your store to check it out and gaze at the 5-days until grand opening sign. We’re both fans of the Annapolis, MD location (his hometown) and the Burke, VA location (the closest one to me right now). I’m kinda tempted to move to C-ville now (Great Harvest + great hiking/running/outdoor adventure + great downtown area = Really great place).
KathEats says
So many couples visiting!!
Shelly says
I’m from St. Cloud, MN! I love the Great Harvest here! Lovely bread!