Friendly service and great food is a hallmark of the Beechworth Bakery.By Kath Gannaway
HEALESVILLE’S Beechworth Bakery is turning two!
The bakery has proven itself a major tourist drawcard, but it is also very much a meeting place for the locals.
Pop along at any time of the day and you’re almost sure to see a familiar face – apart from manager Matt Schwab (now very much a local) and his wonderful crew.
The atmosphere created by Matt and his staff is part of Beechworth’s recipe for success.
Beechworth founder Tom O’Toole made big promises when he first started spruiking the idea of a Beechworth Bakery for Healesville a decade ago.
His home-grown philosophy, which encompassed customer-focused service based on well-trained, happy staff and a genuine aim to become part of the local community, is very much alive and well in Healesville.
It’s no surprise then that when a birthday comes around, it’s planned as a community celebration. On the weekend of 4 and 5 October the bakery will provide free family entertainment including a jumping castle, face painting and the popular Alphonzo the Clown.
It’s not all about the kids however. Adults can celebrate with free bottomless tea and coffee all week – until 5 October. With the five cent bee-sting sale running concurrently, there’s no better time to try Beechworth’s most popular cake. Anyone buying a regular bee-sting can buy a second one for just five cents.
Matt is looking forward to the second birthday celebrations and said much of the store’s popularity has to do with its community focus.
“We’re not just a take-away bakery store where you get your food and leave,” Mr Schwab said. “We provide a space where anyone can come and enjoy the food and atmosphere every day.”
The bakery welcomes groups, including bus and school groups, and it’s not unusual to see people pulling two or three tables together for an informal business meeting, or families pulling up a highchair as they get together for Saturday morning breakfast.
Like so many businesses in Healesville, Beechworth Bakery supports many local groups and causes with donations.
“We really value the community’s input into our business and want to give something back,” Matt said.
The annual birthday celebration is just another way of giving back.
