Asheville Celebrates the Grand Opening of Mattie Lou’s Café & Bakery

Asheville Welcomes New Tastes with Mattie Lou’s Café & Bakery

Asheville is buzzing with excitement after the grand opening of Mattie Lou’s Café & Bakery on November 13. Located at the former Geraldine’s Bakery spot on Merrimon Avenue, this charming café quickly captured the hearts—and appetites—of locals and visitors alike. By noon on its very first day, Mattie Grey, the hard-working owner and baker, had sold out of everything!

A Swift Start

“I was afraid I’d be standing there twiddling my thumbs all day,” Mattie recalled a week after the opening, clearly relieved and thrilled at the warm reception. With doors opening at 8 a.m., eager customers were already waiting to be the first to try her freshly baked treats. She credits social media, particularly NextDoor and Facebook, for the buzz that prompted so many to show up.

Catering to New Customers

However, not all feedback has been positive. “Some people have been a little grumpy about it,” she admits. Mattie encountered customers who missed old favorites like doughnuts from Geraldine’s, and she wishes she could entice them with her delicious alternatives. Her current menu features a variety of mouth-watering options, including chocolate croissants, sweet Danish pastries, and iced cinnamon rolls. “Wait, do you want to try this instead?” she wishes she could say, offering tempting suggestions like gooey pecan sticky buns or her unique cruffins filled with miso caramel pastry cream.

A Journey to Bakery Bliss

Mattie’s journey to becoming a pastry chef and bakery owner is as inspiring as her delectable treats. Growing up in a small town in East Tennessee, she cherished time spent baking with her grandmother. After high school, she began her culinary adventure in Seattle at Pike’s Place Market, where she found her passion for cooking and baking. Despite not having formal training, she gained invaluable experience working in various kitchens, honing her skills during unpaid internships.

Finding Home Again

After her mother’s unexpected passing in July 2023, Mattie felt a calling to return to her roots. Her love for Asheville drew her back, and she took a position as the executive pastry chef for the upcoming Flat Iron Hotel. However, after several months in that role, she decided it was time to launch her own venture. A simple Instagram post seeking a commercial kitchen led her to the vacant Geraldine’s Bakery.

Building a Bright Future

Even after Tropical Storm Helene wreaked havoc on the area, Mattie remained determined. She seized the opportunity and quickly made the necessary arrangements to breathe new life into the beloved location. “It was a whirlwind!” she exclaimed, reflecting on the days leading up to her grand opening. The warm embrace from the community has only fueled her passion. “People have been so kind and welcoming. They’re glad I’m here, and I am so happy to be baking for them,” she shared with a smile.

Exploring More Culinary Adventures

The food scene in Asheville is ever-evolving, with exciting updates from other local businesses as well. Chris Barroso, known for his Guajiro Cuban Comfort Food truck, has found his new home at Hi-Wire Brewing’s Biltmore Village taproom after flood waters halted his operations. Since November 16, he’s been serving up fan favorites like Cuban sandwiches and offering a delectable holiday catering menu.

Meanwhile, the nonalcoholic bottle shop, Nolo, is revamping just in time for the holiday season, with a new location set to open at Atomic Furnishings. They plan to debut mocktails and zero-proof samples during Atomic’s grand reopening on December 7.

Quality Over Quantity

The Asheville Dispensary has also rebranded its second location to Plant Bar. Here, you can enjoy artisanal coffee along with herbal elixirs in a cozy setting that’s perfect for socializing.

A Cultural Feast

On December 11, Gemelli Italian restaurant will be shifting culinary gears with a five-course wine dinner featuring Slovenian dishes, showcasing regional pairings while discussing food culture.

Vineyard Success

Lastly, congratulations to Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards, which recently won notable awards at the American Wine Society’s 2024 National Commercial Competition, earning recognition for its exceptional viognier.

With all these delightful updates, Asheville is thriving in more ways than one. As Mattie Lou’s Café makes its mark, the city continues to embrace new experiences, ensuring that every plate served tells a unique story.