Mantua – If you’ve visited a farmers market or local coffee shop, you’ve probably had the pleasure of sampling the delicious handiwork of local pastry chef Tracey Garrett. If so, then you’ll be pleased to know that Garrett’s formerly home-based operation, Top Tier Pastry, has found a new home at R44 Butcher & Baker Shoppe.
Garrett’s relationship with R44 began when the Mantua coffeehouse opened two years ago, and supplying the local business with special treats to accompany coffee or tea, including very berry oat bars, locally sourced fruit tarts, and savory scones. As the coffee shop’s business increased, the demand for Garrett’s pastries rose as well. She noted that supplying pastries to R44 “became a fulltime job.”
She needed more space to create. Opening up shop inside R44 Butcher & Baker was a natural fit for both parties. “Tracey has been with us from the beginning,” Carrie Leister, one of R44’s owners shared. “She supplies us with high end pastries. She creates an excellent product and has a good name in the community. It’s a very nice collaboration.”
Garrett, a professional pastry chef opened her home-based business 20 years ago, a move that allowed her the opportunity to work from home and raise her children. She uses high quality, local ingredients, including produce from nearby orchards and eggs from local farms. That same practice will continue in her new location as well.
While Top Tier will continue to provide single-serving pastries at the coffee shop, at R44 Butcher & Baker, Garrett provides mouth-watering full-size options like lemon curd strawberry cake, cannoli and cannoli cake, cinnamon rolls, and seasonal fruit tarts, ideal for serving families or sharing with guests.
R44 Owner Terry Tung added, “We enjoy the added activity in the (Butcher & Baker) shop. We’re using the baking side of the shop more effectively,” he explained. “By bringing Tracey’s Top Tier brand to our shop, she brings the ‘Baker’ namesake and vision; it’s a win-win.”
“They’ve really been generous in making the space work for me,” Garrett shared. She’s been in the shop just under a month, but explained, “it already feels like home.” All parties agree that the closer proximity fosters more collaboration and affords Garrett the opportunity to be more hands-on for both business ventures. “If the coffee shop is out of something, I can bake it fresh and get it across the street,” Garrett explained.
The extroverted baker is thrilled to talk to customers to tailor to their needs and wants. “I love having the opportunity to be in front of customers,” Garrett noted. “I want their feedback — negative or positive — so I know how to tweak my recipes.”
R44 Butcher & Baker Shoppe is open from 9 am until 7 pm throughout the week. Stop by 10682 Main Street in Mantua, or give them a call at (330) 274-5322 for more information.
