Exciting New Chapter for Auspicious Baking Co. in Savannah
In the heart of Savannah, Katie Bryant and Mark Ekstrom are taking their bakery dreams to new heights! Owners of the beloved auspicious Baking Co., this energetic couple has ventured into uncharted territory—opening a full-service restaurant! Can you believe it?
From Pennsylvania to Savannah Charm
Just a decade ago, it was hard to imagine that Ekstrom and Bryant would be at the helm of a restaurant that once belonged to none other than Paula Deen. “If you had told us back then, we would have thought you were crazy,” laughs Bryant, reminiscing about the early days. They kicked off their culinary adventure in Pennsylvania, where Bryant crafted her pastry skills in fine dining, while Ekstrom gained experience working customer service at a Greek deli.
Seeking a fresh start and warmer winters, the couple headed down to Florida but quickly found it wasn’t quite the pace they were after. “We stopped in Savannah and immediately fell in love with its charm. It felt like home,” recalls Ekstrom. Within days, they landed jobs at local establishments—Ekstrom at Boar’s Head Grill and Bryant at Rum Runners Bakery. What a lucky break!
The Birth of Auspicious Baking Co.
After gaining valuable experience, they decided to combine their talents and opened a bakery. With nearly two years of planning under their belt, they opened their doors in June 2017 in a tiny space in a Sandfly strip mall on Father’s Day, a tribute to Bryant’s late father. “We celebrate that day like a birthday every year!” she shares. And they quickly discovered they had something special.
During their first month, they only operated on Sundays and would sell out in mere minutes—talk about a smashing success! Fans flocked to try what Bryant refers to as “nostalgia goods”—baked treats that remind them of childhood and family. Think of goodies like blueberry croissant loaves and pumpkin halva buns. “It’s all about flavors that tug at your heartstrings,” says Ekstrom.
A Growing Community
With a loyal following and limited seating, the duo swiftly expanded their operations, moving to a larger location in 2020 to keep up with the demand. Fast forward to November 2023, and the opportunity arose for a big leap—the former Paula Deen’s Creek House on Whitemarsh Island. Spanning a whopping 10,000 square feet, it was the perfect canvas for their ambitions.
This new location features a large production area, a cozy dining space, and even retail opportunities. “The beautiful gardens and views of the marsh make it so inviting,” beams Bryant.
Delicious Plans for the Future
In this grand space, they plan to serve breakfast using their famous sourdough cultures in pancakes and waffles and will surely wow guests with comfy brunches and lunches down the line. “We’re keen to expand the flavors and the experience,” Bryant explains. They’re even incorporating a stunning setup that allows customers to watch their pastries being made—what a treat!
“It’s all about connection for us,” added Ekstrom. “The relationships we’ve built are what keep us motivated.” With this new chapter, it’s clear that both Ekstrom and Bryant are ensuring that customer satisfaction and community connection remain their top priorities.
All About Community
The heartwarming aspect of their story is the community that has grown around Auspicious Baking Co.. “It’s incredible to see the familiarity we’ve created with our customers over the years. It’s more than just a business; it’s a family,” says Ekstrom, clearly passionate about the ties they’ve formed.
As they crack open this exciting new chapter for their culinary journey, it’s evident that their bakery is poised to touch even more lives in Savannah. Who knew that luck was on their side when they first decided to plant their roots here? The sky’s the limit for this dynamic duo!
Stay tuned as they whip up some new flavors and experiences at their beautiful new home on Whitemarsh Island. Just remember, whether you’ve been with them since the beginning or you’re a newcomer, they’re always ready to welcome you with open arms and delicious pastries!
