IN Peters Township August/September 2017 | Page 55

from Bethel Park High School. The oldest,
John, and his wife, Chris, became second-
generation owners in 1991, and Tom was the
bakery’s production manager.
A business graduate from Duquesne
University in 1978, John had many years of
full-time experience at Bethel Bakery. Chris’
background was in the medical field, and
when she married John in 1986, she began
working on the administrative side of the
bakery part time while the two raised four
children.
Bethel Bakery’s tagline—“The Cake
Place”—is accurately named for its most
famous item. All the cakes are made and
decorated with a delicious, signature French
buttercream. Many of the bakery’s 100
employees are involved in some step of cake
production, from mixing to baking, assembly,
icing, decorating and selling.
By the end of June 2016, the management
team wholeheartedly supported the concept
of moving forward with a second location.
“We knew that it would be in Washington
County, since we had a strong customer base
that we served for 14 years at the McMurray
Dairy Bar (now Heisler’s Market),” says
John. “After talking to the owner of Country
Confections on Rt. 19, we decided the
storefront next door was ideal because it’s
directionally friendly to Interstates 79 and 70
and has plenty of parking and complementary
businesses in the plaza—all of which are part
of a growing community.”
The North Strabane location offers about
80 percent of what Bethel Bakery showcases
at the main store in Bethel Park. There are still
several services that are only offered at the
Bethel Park location, including wedding cakes
and other custom cakes, and all calls regarding
orders are taken at the main shop. However,
with two days’ notice, customers have the
option to choose which location they’d like to
Bethel Bakery Locations and Hours
Bethel Park:
5200 Brightwood Road, Bethel Park, PA 15102
Monday through Friday: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
CLOSED SUNDAY
North Strabane:
2500 Washington Road, North Strabane, PA 15317
Monday through Friday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
CLOSED SUNDAY
* Deliveries typically take place twice a day
from the Bethel Park main store
to the North Strabane location.
pick up their order. “We also have seating at
our new location which gives it a more relaxed
vibe,” adds John.
“The convenience of being along Rt. 19
has helped us reach more customers who
may not have made the trip to our main
store,” he continues. “Opening our second
location has created approximately 20 more
positions in sales and production, and we are
looking forward to becoming a staple part
of the Canonsburg community in addition
to participating in its events, including the
Fourth of July parade.”
Bethel Bakery has always made an effort to
give back to the community. From banquet
fundraisers to supporting local school districts
through advertising, the business recognizes
that its patrons are the true reason for its
success.
The Bethel Bakery North Strabane location
officially opened in December 2016 and
business has been strong ever since.
“Compared to mega-markets and chain
stores, Bethel Bakery is far more than just a
retailer of baked goods—it is a memorable
destination experience and a nostalgic
reminder of the charms of independent
bakeries that were once part of the fabric of
every community,” John notes. “A friendly and
warm environment—with plenty of
free aromas—is the standard experience of
our guests, and our customers are as loyal
and special as the product baked and sold
each day.” n
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