Red Mug hosts grand opening for bakeshop

A steady stream of baked goods punctuates the mornings at Red Mug Bake Shop. From scones and tarts to special recipe breads, each sends a puff of warmth and aroma through the air.

Tuesday, Michael Laughing Fox Charette pulled focaccia bread from the oven, setting it on cooling racks beside loaves of 10-grain bread and Grandma Glenys’ Bulgur wheat.

Majority owner Suzanne Johnson set fresh cookies on the shelf beside frosted cinnamon rolls and caramel rolls studded with nuts.

“We don’t mass produce anything,” Johnson said. The bakery has made a niche for itself since its doors opened Nov. 19.

Thursday, the shop will celebrate its grand opening with a ribbon cutting, wine tasting and artist’s reception featuring unique dream catchers created by Charette.

“People have been finding us,” Johnson said, although the bridge construction is slowing the foot traffic down.

The bakery is an offshoot of Red Mug Coffeehouse, which has a strong customer base. Johnson employs five at the bakeshop, another eight in the coffeehouse downstairs. She said people are happy to find there’s still a bakery at the Trade and Commerce Marketplace, 916 Hammond Ave. Red Mug’s shop is located in the former home of Sustenance Artisan Breads. The building, which once served as city hall, has become a hive of small artisan shops.

“It’s important to support your community bakery and all independently owned businesses,” Johnson said.

Thursday’s celebration begins with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 2 p.m. followed by a wine tasting at 5:30.

“We have our liquor license now,” Johnson said. “Stop by and get everything you need for an evening of treats.” Along with wine by the bottle, the shop offers cheese, baguettes, olives and desserts.

Guest baker Dave Hanlon will be back in the kitchen for the day. The Wrenshall farmer worked at the bakeshop from November through March then went back to his organic farm.

“So many people loved his bread,” Johnson said.

An artist reception for Charette’s show, entitled “The Stream of Unmade Dreams,” runs 5-7 p.m. His organic creations of various sizes can be seen daily in the coffeehouse.

Along with the usual array of cookies, desserts, breads, cinnamon rolls and gluten-free items, Red Mug Bake Shop boasts daily bread specials, including sourdough on Tuesday, Swedish Limpa on Thursday and bagels on Saturday. For information on the coffeehouse or bakeshop, go to www.redmugcoffee.com, call (715) 392-2262 for the coffeehouse or (715) 392-7004 for the bakery.

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