Ribbon Cut! Let the baking begin!

The West End was served up with a new pastry shop at 216 Second Line on Saturday. Erica Thomlinson had the Grand Opening of her brand new “The Pastry Shoppe” outlet that serves up almost every type of pastry imaginable.

With a theme that invites a person in to a bright and cheerful space, Erica Tomlinson transformed 216 Second Line West, into her lifelong dream of owning a bakery. Erica is a certified baker, wedding and event planner, certified cake designer from Cambrian College, Bonnie Gordon School of Confectionery Arts, in Toronto, and Q.C. Event Planning in Quebec.

“It’s always been my dream to own my own place. A lot of family members own their own businesses, and I see how hard they work, and give back to community. I want to be part of that.” Erica’s dream of owning a business was put on hold about 2 years ago. “I became a living donor for a neighbour and friend back in Milton (her hometown). After 2 years of waiting, it was time for me to open this shop.” Erica donated 70% of her liver two years ago, and is a champion for organ donation. In fact, The Pastry Shoppe incorporates the colour of the campaign for organ donation, into the decor, which is a shade of green.

Erica arrived in The Sault on July 1st, 2015, and “has never left. I moved here to be closer to my boyfriend, Spencer.” What started out as a vacation, quickly became a place to live and put down roots. “Born and raised in the Sault, Spencer always talked about how beautiful the Sault is, and how much I would love it here. The Sault and surrounding area is amazing. I fell in love with this city right away.”

Hard work and determination are Erica’s motto. When she found the space on Second Line she felt the “space was perfect, and as soon as I walked in the doors, I knew this could be my bakery.”

Pies, homemade chocolates, cupcakes, cookies, butter tarts, squares, custom cake and cookie orders, are a portion of what The Pastry Shoppe will offer. “There is also a space for parties and classes. I’ll be offering Birthday parties, Baking classes, cupcake, and cake decorating, and more. I have really great girls with special skills, so we will be able to host some fun decorating and baking parties.”

There are currently 4 staff hired for The Pastry Shoppe.

The hours of operation are:
• Monday – Thursday 7:00 am -7:00 pm
• Friday 7:00 am – 8:00 pm
• Saturday and Sunday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

“We’re open early enough for people to swing by before work, or can stop by on their way home.”

The Pastry Shoppe is specializing in a Nut-free Facility. “Everything baked inside the Pastry Shoppe is baked in a 100% nut free bakery.” Erica is working on fundraising opportunities for school groups, and community groups.

Ward five councilor, Marchy Bruni, helped cut the ribbon for the opening ceremony and wished Erica well on behalf of council.

photos by Saultonline.com’s Mike Caruso & Lydia McNiece