Since 1990, Jim and Colleen Mikula have shaped Upper Crust Bakery and Soup Co. into a Fredonia destination known for recipes made with care and a welcoming, “full friend” spirit. The shop’s daily soups and handmade bakery fare are prepared from natural ingredients, with vegetarian and vegan choices so nobody leaves hungry.
Rock Hill Bakehouse & CafeSince 1991, Matt Funiciello and his crew have run Rock Hill Bakehouse & Cafe in Glens Falls, hand-baking the naturally leavened hearth breads that have made the shop a fixture of the region’s food scene. The bakery uses simple, natural ingredients and stone hearth ovens, while its cafe serves an all-vegan menu in a gathering place that also houses a bookstore and vinyl shop. Rock Hill’s Jewish rye and other breads have drawn attention from food writers including Mimi Sheraton, Jeffrey Steingarten, James Beard and Julia Child.GLENS FALLS, NY
Peaceful ProvisionsSince 2015, Peaceful Provisions has been a family-run Beacon donut shop making small-batch vegan doughnuts entirely by hand, from brioche-style yeast dough to fillings, toppings and icings. Its dough undergoes traditional bread-making steps, including a 24–48-hour cold ferment, while the shop avoids pre-made mixes, artificial flavors and synthetic coloring. The women-of-color-led business also sources locally when possible, including jam from Beth’s Farm Kitchen in Old Chatham.BEACON, NY
The North Hill Bakery, LLCFrom a Chagrin Falls kitchen, North Hill Bakery makes small-batch sourdough wheat crackers using a 36-hour fermentation and all-natural ingredients. The woman-owned Ohio business grew from founder Katy’s pandemic-era sourdough experiments and the encouragement of local neighbors, with its original Black Pepper cracker still at the heart of the line. Its crackers now reach retailers across Ohio and in Chicagoland, ready for snacking or a charcuterie board.