Soltane Breads and Spreads, located in downtown Phoenixville at 138 Bridge St., held a ribbon-cutting ceremony yesterday, Sept. 28 to launch its Grand Opening and introduce the store to area business and non-profit leaders.
The ceremony was hosted by Camphill Soltane, the Glenmoore-based non-profit which owns Soltane Breads and Spreads. Camphill Soltane provides continuing education, vocational opportunities and life-sharing settings for young adults and adults with developmental disabilities. Soltane Breads and Spreads is Camphill Soltane’s first off-site work area, and includes bakers and baristas with special needs.
Among the guests were Dr. Louis Beccaria, President and CEO of the Phoenixville Community Health Foundation; Marian and David Moskowitz, Phoenixville area developers; Manny DeMutis, President of the DeMutis Group; Ray Shanahan, Executive Director of Orion Communities, Inc.; Kathy Bestwick, Executive Director of the Phoenix Village Arts Center; Crysta Peers, 2nd Vice President of the Phoenixville Chamber of Commerce; Ellie Ancampora, President of the Phoenixville Area Business Association; Leo Scoda, Mayor of Phoenixville; and E. Jean Krack, Phoenixville Borough Manager.
Rachel K. Bowden, President of the Camphill Soltane Foundation, introduced guests to the mission and work of Camphill Soltane. Bowden told guests that the opening of Soltane Breads and Spreads in Phoenixville fulfills a long-cherished goal: to provide an outlet for individuals from Camphill Soltane to demonstrate their professional skills, honed over years of practice, and be seen and recognized for their work by the wider community.
Mark Doberenz, Head Baker, described the work flow at Soltane Breads and Spreads as “slow and deliberate”, and thus responsive to the needs and pace of a diverse crew. Modest production goals also ensure that bakers can take the time necessary to “babysit” the naturally-leavened breads – sometimes over a period of 3 days – which form the cornerstone of the bakery’s offerings. Doberenz further noted that many of the ingredients used at Soltane Breads and Spreads are sourced locally, from family farms and area businesses. Head barista Ryan Hagen spoke about the Stumptown Roasting Company, which provides fresh-roasted beans for the espresso and specialty coffee drinks at Soltane Breads and Spreads. Stumptown buys directly from farmers around the world who employ sustainable growing methods.
Following the presentations, Assistant Baker Robin Buckner, a long-time resident of Camphill Soltane, cut the ceremonial ribbon across the door. Buckner was joined by Doberenz and Phoenixville Mayor Leo Scoda. Mayor Scoda addressed the crowd, welcoming Soltane Breads and Spreads into the Phoenixville community and noting that new businesses have contributed greatly to the revitalization of the downtown.
Guests enjoyed coffee and bite-sized versions of Soltane Breads and Spreads’ pastry offerings, including scones, biscotti, cookies and more. Many guests took advantage of the opportunity to tour the production area with Doberenz and Hagen, peering into the wood-fired oven and seeing some of the specialized equipment that facilitates use by people with diverse abilities.
Soltane Breads and Spreads opened its doors to the public in July 2011. Current hours are Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10 am – 6 pm. An expansion of hours is anticipated later this year.
Read more about Soltane and see their amazing breads in our recent feature, available by clicking here.
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