Growing up in rural Ohio, our family loves jumping in the car for a short road trip back to our roots in the countryside. While things stay busy in the city, it’s refreshing to slow down with a nice treat and enjoy life through the lens of a small town cafe. Mak’s Bakery and Cafe in Blanchester is a lunch time delight with a variety of fresh charcuterie lunch boxes and baked goods.
In collaboration with Rustic Grains Co, Mak’s Bakery is home to the Children’s Summer Art series, with future classes extending into the school year. Weekly themed classes last an hour long and include a specially-made treat just for the kiddos. With past themes like tie dye with popcorn bar, parade wands with cookies and ocean slime with under the sea snacks, the kiddos will go home with a fun art project and full bellies.
Inspired by watching her granny effortlessly pipe buttercream roses, shop owner and head baker, Kristen McVey, is no stranger to mom-ing through life at the bakery. With her nine children at the focus of her business, Kristen takes pride in offering an inclusive family-friendly cafe that welcomes families in all walks of life. Deliciously moist cupcakes, chocolate chip cookie sandwiches, cake pops and cookies fill our sweet tooth cravings with delight.
Arguably one of the most fresh, fulfilling charcuterie lunch boxes around, Mak’s Bakery and Cafe has mastered lunch time. Mama’s personal favorite, the Chickadee, includes a heaping portion of Mak’s signature chicken salad with all the charcuterie fixins. Fresh vegetables, pistachios, cheese, grapes and gluten free crackers provide a safe meal for all dietary restrictions and lunch boxes even the pickiest young eaters will love.
Open Wednesday through Friday, Mak’s Bakery and Cafe highlights community through collaboration with vendors like Lisa’s Pretzel who whip up gourmet flavored pretzels (blackberry cheesecake- yum!), Hembree Honey, TK Chic Apparel with custom shirts, handmade earrings, journals, wall art and Rustic Grains Co who host the Children’s Summer Art series with rustic boutique items for purchase in the cafe.
With a cafe expansion underway, bringing baristas and a coffee bar into the bakery, Mak’s is a one stop shop for families to have artsy fun, shop for gifts and re-energize with a healthy lunch and hearty espresso. Mak’s is also diving into dinner options like hearty chicken pot pies and buffalo mac and cheese. Follow along on Mak’s socials for children’s event details, daily bakery offerings, new collaborations and charcuterie class highlights at Mak’s Bakery and Cafe.