Alex Whitman, the head baker at Bread and Butter, has spent his time awaiting the opening experimenting with new baking techniques and recipes. These toasted baguettes are just a small sampling of what he plans to offer.It's been a long road, but Alex Whitman and Victoria Capdevielle are almost ready open the doors to Bread and Butter, an all-natural bakery in Red Bank.
The two business owners have been working on the brick-and-mortar location for nearly a year. They expect to open shortly after Thanksgiving.
"We want to bring real food to our community. We don't use preservatives or artificial colorings, and we really want to work with our local farmers and artisans to show off how good the products from this region are," Whitman said.
The pair has kept busy throughout the opening process, with Whitman in the kitchen six days a week experimenting and creating new recipes and possibilities for the menu. He's also been creating bread to sell at Velo Coffee on the Southside and Speed Deluxe on Cherokee Boulevard.
Capdevielle, meanwhile, has been working to ensure every inspection and all preliminary work before the shop opens is in order and completed.
Bread and Butter, like many new restaurants, faced setbacks in Whitman and Capdevielle's pursuit of opening, though Capdevielle said there's not really any fingers to be pointed. Between inspections, ovens and countertops, she said many things just didn't go as planned the first time around.
"It may have been a slightly bigger beast than two people could have taken on," she said.
While Capdevielle has nearly a decade of advertising experience, the bakery is both her and Whitman's first attempt at operating a small business.
"I think we've grown into our space, though, and not tried to rush to get the doors open just to have them open," she said.
"We want to make sure that when our product is ready, it's consistent and high quality," Whitman added.
The duo expressed tremendous gratitude toward the Red Bank community, which they say has already accepted them with open arms. Whitman said when one resident stopped in and asked when "our" bakery was going to be open, Whitman knew there was already a connection.
"We're trying to build a community space," he said. "I want people to think this is their bakery - a place where everyone knows your name."
Hopefully, by continuing to build a repertoire with his neighbors and fellow Red Bank residents, more quality restaurant options will make their way to the area, he added.
"We want to be part of the wave of restaurants and businesses moving to Red Bank and growing it," said Whitman.
Bread and Butter is located at 3955 Dayton Blvd. For more information and updates on an opening date and hours, visit butterthebread.com or email contact@butterthebread.com.
Email Shane Foley at sfoley@timesfreepress.com.