Merchant Spotlight: Breadsmith

If you walk past Breadsmith in Downtown Cranford you’re sure to get a whiff of the deliciousness that awaits you inside. Once you actually go inside it can be almost overwhelming when you see all of the choices that greet you. Loaves of rye, sourdough, ciabatta, and multigrain share the shelves with scones, muffins, cinnamon claws, baguettes, and dessert breads. If there is a baked good you’re looking for, chances are good that you’ll find it at Breadsmith.

Breadsmith started in the Midwest, which is where Kathy Vastola originally encountered it. Her family fell in love with their breads, and when her husband’s job brought them to Cranford Kathy thought Breadsmith would be a perfect fit in Cranford. Her hunch has been proven right, as Breadsmith has been a part of downtown Cranford for nearly seven years.

A normal day at Breadsmith actually starts the night before, with mixing of the breads commencing at 7PM. The employees bake the breads as the loaves proof, which occurs between 4-5AM. Many of the breads are sent out for wholesale to restaurants, hotels, and golf courses, and are picked up around 4:30 in the morning. Kathy also works closely with many of the businesses right in Cranford, providing bread to Romola’s Seafood & Grille,Urban Burger, and Cheese…Please. The schedule is different from anything Kathy knew from her years working in corporate America, but she’s enjoying the challenge. She’s always had a passion for baking and cooking, and she loves the chance to meet her customers and hear their feedback. Many of her customers will stop in a few times a week, either for a fresh loaf of bread or for something sweet like a scone or cookie.

Breadsmith is just getting over the rush for St. Patrick’s Day when loaves of Irish Soda Bread flew off the shelves. The next approaching holiday is Easter, which means bunny shaped breads will soon be available for purchase. The store also sells pizza dough, which is extremely popular. Breadsmith will once again be partnering with Dreyer Farms so you can look forward to a treat from there popping up in your CSA box every few weeks. On a normal day their most popular products are scones, baguettes, and their multigrain loaves. Breadsmith stresses that their products are baked fresh every day and made without preservatives. So whatever your baked good craving, make sure you stop by Breadsmith and take home a few of their treats with you.

Breadsmith
32 North Avenue West
(908) 276-2155
www.Facebook.com/BreadsmithofCranford