SANDWICH — For Ann Tisith, accounting was a job. Baking, creating taste sensations, is something altogether different; it’s her calling.
In recent months, it has called her to Sandwich to open her own shop, Sweet Magnolia Bakery, at 207 E. Church St. The shop opened on April 12 and celebrated a grand opening on April 28. And business has been good, according to Ann’s husband, John.
He spoke on behalf of his wife as she worked to finish a cake, with a deadline looming.
“We thought this was a perfect location, with the antiques and shops here in Sandwich,” John Tisith said. “We get a lot of traffic being right on 34 and it’s been really good so far.”
The couple lives in Yorkville, and he said she got her start creating cakes for family.
“She’s had some amazing designs. She designed a ‘Star Wars’ cake for our son,” he said. “I wanna get her on one of those shows.”
Tisith said she started baking professionally in a shared kitchen, but a storefront was needed. She said the name came about because she’s a big fan of the movie “Steel Magnolias.”
“I admit it, I can quote most of the movie,” she said. She added that she had heard about a bakery called The White Flower, so she decided Sweet Magnolia was just the ticket.
“I told my husband to check with the state to see if any other business had incorporated that name and here we are,” Ann Tisith said.
Along with standard, expected flavors, John Tisith said his wife has created new tastes such as salted caramel and s’mores cupcakes.
“This all fits with what she’s trying to accomplish, new flavors. We’re going after a great customer experience,” John Tisith said. Along with cupcakes and wedding cakes, Sweet Magnolia offers cake pops, breakfast pastries, custom cakes and sweet tables.
In addition, Tisith said the shop employs several assistants, lunch helpers and a couple of experienced baristas. The lunch menu includes made-to-order sandwiches, and free Wi-Fi is available.
For more information, visit the shop, call 630-281-2339 or visit online at sweetmagnoliabakeryinc.com.
