SETTING UP SHOP
New bakery set to open in Ballston Spa
BALLSTON SPA, N.Y. » Local bakery The Sweetish Chef is setting up shop in Ballston Spa, featuring grain-free, sugar-free, and low-carb versions of classic goodies.
The business, founded last year by local resident Britt Young, recently expanded by opening a storefront location at 76 Front St. in the village.
The Sweetish Chef first launched online in spring of 2020, then Young began bringing her baked goods to Capital Region farmers markets in the summertime — and they quickly became popular within the local community.
Now, as the business continues to grow, The Sweetish Chef has its own spot in Ballston Spa, where customers can enjoy a variety of sweet-but-healthy treats.
Young originally started The Sweetish Chef in honor of her mother Sandra Swanson. A Swedish woman who loved cooking and baking, her family would lovingly call her “The Swedish Chef” after the Muppets character.
After losing her mother in 2018, Young found herself strongly motivated to live a healthy lifestyle, and share it with others.
“This company is a tribute to my beautiful mother; to help people understand that you can actually have your cake and eat it too; that you can still enjoy your favorite treats,” she wrote on her website.
Young has seen the effects of a healthy diet change lives, including her siblings’. Her sister was diagnosed with Celiac disease about a decade ago, and her brother was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer. His doctor advised cutting out carbs and sugar, so he did it, and beat it, and has been cancer-free ever since. Mean
while, Young and her sister have both changed their diets and are seeing the everyday benefits too.
All products made by The Sweetish Chef are grain-free, which makes them gluten-free, as well as sugar-free and low in carbohydrates, with no artificial colors or preservatives.
In all of her recipes, Young aims to source ingredients that at the most natural, and the best tasting. She often uses almond flour and coconut flour, paired with natural sweeteners such as monk fruit and erythritol, in her baking.
Some of The Sweetish Chef’s best-selling sweets are apple cider donuts, coffee cake, stuffed cookies, brownies, and cupcakes, which can be made nondairy.
Bagels and other savory products like bread and pizza crust are also among The Sweetish Chef’s portfolio.
The cafe will soon begin to offer breakfast sandwiches, pizzas, and other hot foods as well.
Additionally, The Sweetish Chef serves coffee from two local roasters.
The Sweetish Chef also takes orders for custom cakes and cupcakes, which can be made non-dairy or vegan.
Young says her treats are not just for people with dietary restrictions — they’re for everyone. She often hears customers say that her items taste better than traditional baked goods made with grains and sugar.
A first-time entrepreneur, Young is passionate about what she does and aims to make grain-free, sugarfree, low-carb options available for anyone trying to improve or maintain their health.
As she begins this new chapter for The Sweetish Chef, Young is thrilled to be part of the Ballston Spa business scene. “I’ve always loved the vibe of the village and I felt like my heart was here,” she said. “I just love the community. It’s a tight-knit community, and this is where my people are.”
In addition to the bakery cafe, The Sweetish Chef’s products can be purchased at three other Saratoga County sites: Saratoga Coffee Traders in downtown Saratoga Springs, The Green Grocer in Clifton Park and Life Made Simple Boutique in Burnt Hills.
Young’s ultimate goal is to continue growing The Sweetish Chef, with an eye on expanding into mass production to be able to supply to more stores — while keeping an emphasis on quality.
Currently in its soft opening phase, the bakery will be open this Friday evening during Ballston Spa’s annual holiday parade.
The Sweetish Chef’s regular hours, which will begin next week, are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.
A grand opening celebration will be announced soon.
More information about The Sweetish Chef can be found online at www.sweetish-chef.com as well as on Facebook and Instagram (@thesweetishchefllc).
The shop can be contacted by calling 518-3093180 or emailing info@sweetish-chef.com.