After eleven exciting years of developing our retail bakery, restaurant and community meeting place, Oran and I are handing off the reigns of our establishment to our Chef Douglas Burton and his wife Katy. Doug was hired nearly five years ago to take over our kitchen and develop the delicious menu you enjoy today. Doug has a Bachelors of Marketing from Western Michigan University, but took a culinary career path with PF Chang’s in Arizona, Michigan and Ohio. He later transferred to Grand Rapids to be closer to family, and noticed our ad for an executive chef in 2017. Doug has proven himself as a chef, but now desires the challenge of restauranteur. His ambition is blossoming at a time when Oran and I were also thinking about our own career change options.

Doug, Katy, Oran and I started our business discussions in the spring of this year. Naturally there are quite a few hurdles to jump, plans to make and requirements to meet with the transfer of the liquor license, the food service license and the sale of the property itself. But it looks as though we are nearing the final stage of the transfer of ownership, and Oran and I could not be happier that the new proprietors will be Doug and Katy.

I will be starting my new role with Quadient as the District Sales Manager for Chicago. I have had the pleasure of working for Quadient in the West Michigan market back when it was known as Neopost. Because I am one of the luckiest people I know, I will have the great fortune of working with one of my favorite former managers. You can find me on Linked-In to stay in touch. And if you know of anyone looking for a business to business sales position, with a great company and a supportive manager, I am hiring one new salesperson for the greater Chicago area.

Oran is ready to dedicate his baking talent and skills to an artisan bakery near Evanston where we will be living. He is excited to have more time to join a dart league, rebuild his online scrabble ranking and of course, continually build upon his “audiophile” stereo system. 

Thanks to all of you for your support, your encouragement and the village vibe you have contributed to our bakery. All of your thoughtful compliments were often the wind in our wings, and Oran and I will remember these past eleven years with the greatest fondness. 

Most Sincerely,

Sara, the Baker’s Wife and Oran, the Village Baker

Email: bakerswife@villagebaker.us