Sugar & Bean Baking Company opening store in fall
Heather Benin and her daughter Ella prepare coffee at Sugar Bean and Baking Company located at the Farmers Market.
Heather Benin owns Sugar & Bean Baking Company and works with her daughter Ella Benin. Although Ella is young, she knows how to make espresso, smoothies and all the baked goods. Heather initially opened
Owner Heather Benin makes an espresso shot at her stand.
the business to fill up her free time as a stay at home mom. Heather’s business has been located in the Harrisonburg Farmers Market for four years and she is planning on opening a small cafe in the fall. As of now, she has not decided on a location.
Sugar & Bean Baking Company sells baked goods, quiche, savory items, smoothies, soups and espresso drinks. Heather sources her espresso from Crazy Fox Roasting Company which is also located in the farmers market. Crazy Fox Roasting Company and Bittersweet Bakery are Heather’s biggest competitors. Heather mentioned her biggest struggles she faces in this type of business.
The Sugar and Bean Baking Company is currently a stand in the farmer’s market, but owner Heather Benin is opening a store in the fall.
“Time. It takes a lot of time. Baking during the night [leads to] not getting enough sleep. [As well as the] loading and unloading is a lot of wear and tear on the body,” Heather said.
Heather stated that her most popular item is her smoothies, in particular, The Islander Smoothie. The Islander smoothie has all natural and healthy ingredients including lime, pineapple, strawberry, mango, and agave. Heather and Ella both believe the reason customers keep coming back is because of how good everything tastes. Heather tries to appeal more to JMU students and families with little kids.
“I try to make [my business] look really nice…my goal is to be inviting,” Heather said.
