The summer of 2012 we embarked on a wonderful trip to Colorado with Mandy, we stayed in a family home there, near Salida. We went fishing, hiking, exploring, eating, repeat! Beautiful views, delicious food!
The fall of 2012 we decided to buy a house, the one we were in was a little big for the two of us now that my 3 were all grown and finding there own ways :) Basically they moved next door and across the street. So we found one on a quiet street, a good foundation, and ready for us to put our touches on it, big enough for us and for any visitors too! We love our little abode!
Sooooo 2013 marked the 75th year in Ann's Bakery history, we have a few fun things planned, first being a recreation of the historic bread line from 1946. If you can see the little girl on the balcony, well, that's my mother, Sharon! In May of 2013 we called out friends, family and customers to come out and recreate the historic line, but this time it was for CAKE!
We had a wonderful turn out, Dickey's BBQ came out and we provided dessert!
Next on the agenda was the 75th Anniversary party! We booked 2 bands, The Blazer Band with front and center my brother in law, Russ Angell and Admiral Twin, a long standing Tulsa favorite! Food trucks came out and supported us, we had a cupcake eating contest and prizes and drawings! It too, was a great night, in the words of Admiral Twin "We can now mark this off our bucket list, playing at a bakery"! Yes, I know tongue in cheek!
So after all the fun, my daughter and her husband decide to move to Florida! Nooooooooo! But, yes, they did, so happy they are spreading their wings but sad to see them go.
So in the meantime, my husband and I plan a driving trip to California, he has had a life long dream of driving his car, which was then a 370Z, down the Pacific Coast highway. I loved planning the drive. First to Sante Fe, then to Flagstaff, Las Vegas, then on to Monterrey. Wonderful sites to see, a stop into the Robert Hall winery. Of course, we had to buy a bottle of wine at every destination. We drove through Pebble Beach and down the Pacific Coat highway. I can see why now, he wanted to take this drive, breathtakingly beautiful. I will definitely want to go back. Our drive home was just as beautiful, alittle different route, but interesting nonetheless.
So after our amazing California drive, my Sister in Law, invites me on another trip of a life time.....Paris! Yes! So I prepped and planned for this exciting trip in December, I'm only sharing one photo, I could post them all, but it wouldn't do it justice. The bakeries, flower shops, chocolatiers, cheese shops, markets with fresh meats, fruits, vegetables. I totally loved the experience. The food was incredible! The history was so delicately preserved, I couldn't keep my eyes off the cobblestone streets. I did enjoy the Vin Chaud!
About a week after arriving home, we received a phone a call at the bakery about a new series being filmed for the Food Network, questioning us as to whether we would be interested in knowing more and if we were "qualified" or if we fit the criteria for the show. The question being "were we currently struggling as a bakery, small family owned business"? To be honest....we laughed, we struggle ever year, some years are better than others, prices of ingredients, good help, repairs, equipment, you name it. So after some discussions and interviews, we were chosen to film our episode in February. It was a wonderful experience, the host and star of the show, was genuine, supportive and most of all helpful, we were stuck in the past, and also trying to teach the new generation of family, the family trade secrets. The show offered a much needed face lift for the bakery and more than anything else it gave us a much needed boost of confidence. Here is a link to the designers blog http://myfixituplife.com/
They are absolutely wonderful!
With that said, we were also motivated to accept an offer to open a satellite store with our good friends at Party Pro Rents at 41st and Sheridan, a little farther south for our south Tulsa customers! Here is some progress with that location, hopefully soon to come! So stay tuned for more news, I hope I have gotten everyone caught up! We now have a great crew at the shop with some long time loyal employees, the boys Joe and Jake are perfecting their baking skills, and some great talent and personalities!
Link to the Food Network series
