Today we’d like to introduce you to Mariah and Thomas Roberts.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Mariah and Thomas. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Our story starts out 15 years ago selling our signature bread “fougasse” at a few local farmers markets. We opened our doors on Route 1 Kittery Maine on January 15, 2002 with Thomas and myself as the only staff members. Our basic philosophy was to feed our community with all natural ingredients with traditional production methods from scratch. Focusing on quality, not quantity. Fast forward more than a decade later, we still hold all of those same beliefs to be true with our main focus on supporting our community. Now the little bakery that started with just the two of us, now supports a staff of over 40 people, specializing in scratch made artisan breads, pastries and a full cafe/lunch menu.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
At first, the struggle was finding vendors that sold all natural products and compostable supplies. As the years have gone by, thankfully many vendors have realized the importance of quality ingredients and the need for compostables.
Staffing, continuing education and consistency in product are always ongoing challenges for us, but we have been lucky enough to cultivate such a dynamic and passionate crew, we all carry the day to day struggles by helping one another to lighten the load.
Please tell us about Beach Pea Baking Co.
We feel that what sets us a part is that our customers can trust what we provide is healthy, honest food for the best price we can offer them. We go out of our way to make sure the customer knows exactly what is in our products, letting them feel great about what they are about to eat.
We also take great pride in being a part of our community and we try to give back as much as we can to the folks that made us succeed from day one. Without community, there is no reason for us to work so hard.
We are known for all different things, depending what is important to that particular individual. Some people know us for our handmade croissants, some by our signature sourdoughs and fougasse, some people will remember us for the wedding cake we made for them. And some, for the lunch that we provide in the board meeting every week. That is what we love, being recognized for so many different wonderful things.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Growing up in Portsmouth NH in the 1970’s, there were really only 2 people I remember as business owners in town (although there were thousands)- Penny from Ceres Street Bakery and Karen from Karen’s- both local bakeries. I looked up to these woman; they were strong, independent amazing business owners and I wanted to be like them. I had no idea at the time I would be walking in their footsteps, and now as an adult, I can’t help but to reflect on those memories.
Pricing:
- Lunch for under $10
- Artisan breads under $6.00
Contact Info:
- Address: Beach Pea Baking Co.
53 State Road Kittery Maine, 03904 - Website: beachpeabaking.com
- Phone: 207-439-3555
- Email: beachpeabaking@gmail.com
- Instagram: beachpeabaking
- Facebook: Beach Pea Baking Co
Image Credit:
Sunshine White Photography, Foodie magazine, WP Cinch
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
