Sometimes, an opportunity is sitting right beside. Sometimes it proves to be a very sweet opportunity, and in this case it was literally an opportunity right beside Kevin Zakariasen and literally a sweet one.

 

Zakariasen, who serves on the Life Choice Board of Directors with President Doug Sands, knew of Sands and his wife’s business – the former Bake-N-Memories – that was no longer in operation outside of sales to a few area businesses.

 

Ettica Sands, who opened the beloved bakery just beyond the Simpson Creek Covered Bridge and across from the Bridgeport Detachment of the West Virginia State Police in 2003, had decided she wanted to spend more time with her family and grandchildren. Because of that, Sands retired and Bake-N-Memories primarily became just that – a memory.

 

That all changed thanks to a simple conversation between Zakariasen and Doug Sands. And the conversation started because Zakariasen and his wife Sarah, both owners and operators of the successful Stonewall Coffee in Clarksburg, know a thing or two about business.

 

And they knew Bake-N-Memories located on Murphys Run Road was a good business that came to an end not because it was failing, but because of family commitments.

 

“They had such a good business and such a good reputation that I mentioned to Doug that we were interested in acquiring the business,” Zakariasen said. “At the time, he said they had a deal in the works. I told him if it possibly fell through to give me a call.”

 

It wasn’t long after that when Zakariasen’s phone rang. In short order, a deal was done and back in business and soon to have an official ribbon cutting is Bake-N-Memories in its newest formation, which is Baking Memories.

 

The good news? The recipes that made the business a hit will remain in place. The even better news, Ettica Sands is working with Sarah Zakariasen and partner Bekah Henry to make sure everything has the same taste that left many mouths watering throughout the area.

 

“We were able to secure Ettica working with us for a really good deal and she’s going to help what’s really a pretty long time,” said Zakariasen. “She wants to make sure the transition is a smooth one and we hope it is.”

 

The transition includes one key thing – all of the recipes of the former Bake-N-Memories. That’s good news to many as Sarah Zakariasen will handle the baking and Henry will serve as the decorator of cakes and cupcakes and many other items that are being baked throughout the week.

 

What that means is the delicious standard vanilla and chocolate cupcakes (other flavors are available) that can be filled with raspberry cream, fudge, cream cheese, lemon, blueberry and multiple other flavors are there for purchase. The cakes and cookies and other treats that have left thousands smiling can also be acquired with a quick trip to the bakery.

 

“We’re thrilled with the prospects of continuing what was already started. I can’t believe how many people light up when I mention it and it happens over and over … We want to continue that happiness,” said Zakariasen. “It’s a small shop, but it sure does a lot of business.”

 

As for new touches, they’ll be coming. Zakariasen said they’ll add some things to the list of choices, but will do so slowly.

 

Earlier this month, they had a soft opening. On May 31 at noon, they will hold the ribbon cutting and grand opening

 

Baking Memories is open Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday. The business will be closed on Sunday and Monday.

 

The bakery can be reached by calling 304-842-0155 or by visiting their Web site at bakingmemorieswv.com. They can also be found on Facebook.

 

Click HERE to look at their menu.