The North Market Downtown, 59 Spruce St., is getting a sweet new addition.
After participating in the North Market Farmers’ MarketĀ and and indoor pop-ups, The Pastry Factory is making things permanent with its own stall.
Owner Allyson Blackwell launched The Pastry Factory in 2012 as a part-time, home-based business. With lifetime love of baking and a culinary arts degree from Sullivan University, Blackwell also has extensive industry experience both in and outside of the kitchen, with positions spanning sous chef, pastry chef and head baker to restaurant manager.
The pandemic provided the push Blackwell needed to pursue The Pastry Factory full-time after her previous position as a cafe manager was eliminated during the shutdown.
“We’re excited to be joining the diverse family of merchants at the North Market downtown,” said Blackwell. “When we were welcomed with open arms last summer at the farmers’ market, we knew we had found a great place to call home.”
The Pastry Factory offers made-from-scratch gourmet desserts and pastries. North Market goers will find a rotating selection of cupcakes, tarts, French pastries, cookies, cookie sandwiches, brownies, pies and cakes, with an additional selection of seasonal and holiday goodies. The bakery will appeal to a variety of palates withĀ gluten-free, vegan, sugar-free, dairy-free, soy-free and nut-free options as well.
The Pastry Factory will move into a stall that previously served as a pop-up space between Stauf’s Coffee Roasters and Green Olive Company. Construction begins soon with plans to open in the spring.
“Allyson has gone from farmers’ market to pop-up vendor, and now permanentĀ merchant,” said North Market’s Executive Director Rick Harrison Wolfe. “We can’t wait to have The Pastry Factory’s unique treats on a regular basis. Allyson a natural fit for the Market!”
The Pastry Factory joins another recently-announced addition to the market, vegan soul food eatery Willowbeez SoulVeg. The new vendors put the Market back at full capacity after a number of departures in 2020.
For more information, visit northmarket.org and mypastryfactory.com.