Mechanicville bakery expanding with new shop in Malta
MALTA — After celebrating a successful first year in business in December, The Sugar Fairy Bakes, an old-fashioned from-scratch bakery in Mechanicville, is preparing to open a new location in Malta.
The new 3,200-square-foot shop is slated to open April 1 at Ellsworth Commons on Route 9 with the same menu of homemade treats including cakes, pies, pastries, breads and its popular homemade “fairy tarts.”
Owner Stacie Blair said she has always hoped to bring her freshly baked treats to the Malta community. “We had some plans laid in place, but because of COVID, it didn’t work out,” she said. “It’s a really great, up-and-coming town.”
After a year in Mechanicville, Blair said the bakery has grown a loyal customer base and become known for its traditional recipes, inspired by Blair’s childhood baking alongside her grandmother. But while business has been good, the demand in the small city hasn’t been high enough for Blair to utilize her factory-grade baking equipment to its fullest potential.
Hence, the decision to expand. The plan is for bakers in the Mechanicville shop to use the equipment to bake larger batches for delivery to the Malta retail location each morning. Among the goods will be breakfast sandwiches made on fresh hard rolls and limited lunch items.
While the menu remains the same, the Malta bakery will offer a more immersive customer experience. The location will become the business’ hub for custom cake decorating and will feature a large window for visitors to watch as artists sculpt fondant and pipe buttercream.
The bakery will also offer a space for birthday parties and other events where guests can decorate cupcakes or enjoy coffee and food platters.
The Sugar Fairy Bakes is looking to hire a baker who can handle high volumes of from-scratch cooking, as well as a delivery driver and counter help. Those interested can email thesugarfairybakes@gmail.com.