Heritage Bakery seems to be a comforting french inspired place, but what makes it appear that way? There is a well kept secret on how they create this atmosphere. In the friendly city, everyone loves good food.
When customers step into the bakery you are greeted by a warm and cozy atmosphere. There is a big display case full of their daily specials and more.Floral wallpaper covers the walls and compliments the variety of seating. During the lunch rush hour the small space becomes packed.
“They’ve grown it a lot since they first started,” Soraya Kaussler, a worker at the bakery said about the mother-daughter pair that started the business. “It was one of the hot spots of downtown Harrisonburg for sure.”
“It’s really fun! You get to meet a lot of really amazing people and you would learn a lot about their lives and their stories. “Everyone here becomes family.”
“She does an incredible job at making everyone feel like they are a part of her family and very giving.” Kaussler said about Isabelle, the owner. “Isabelle became a good friend of mine and I love coming in every morning and talking to her and the girls.” Rebecca Porter said.
The customers talked about their personal favorites, and these were their answers. Jessica Goldstein, a customer at the bakery, says it’s one of her favorite places because “Girls can have a tea party” and her daughter says “The blueberry muffins are very good.” Porter, who has been a customer for five years, also loves their muffins. A new customer drove an hour to come back for a second time. “I love the aesthetic here and it was definitely worth the hour,” she said.
Their secret to success is all the atmosphere they create. A recurring theme in all the customers and workers we interviewed was the simple things that make the bakery feel more like your kitchen than a restaurant. The dishes they use, the decorative plates on the wall, the cozy lighting, the workers who greet you as soon as they see you walk in the door, all these small things are what tie the place together. This is where the only thing better than the food is the people, and it is a perfect addition to the community of small business in downtown Harrisonburg.
This is the gallery of photos that were taken while visiting the business:
