(Lander, WY) – The family-owned and operated Lander Bake Shop has been a community hub for nearly a decade. Dubbed “Lander’s living room,” it’s known as the place to get scratch-made food, grab a beverage, meet friends, or hold business meetings.
The Lander Bake Shop even receives recommendations from over 150 miles away in Yellowstone National Park where a few rangers encourage travelers to stop as they pass through, according to owners Angie and Matt Flint.
In 2002, Matt accepted a position as an art professor at Central Wyoming College which brought them to Lander from Kansas. Angie, a professional chef, spent over a decade here as a private caterer, chef and teacher before deciding to take the leap and open a restaurant in 2014.
They were unsure at the beginning of the scale and the type of food they would serve. So, they relied on community input and discovered most people wanted a casual place to enjoy a cup of coffee, grab lunch, read a book or relax, Angie shared.
After finding their perfect location at 259 Main Street, which at the time was on the less hip side of town, the two spent the next five months gut-renovating.
Matt did about 90% of the work to bring the dilapidated space back to life and make it feel like home, Angie noted.
We were still putting things together as we opened the doors. This place definitely has our blood, sweat, and tears.
When Angie wasn’t helping with renovations and designing the kitchen, she focused on the menu; late nights and early mornings were spent creating and finessing recipes.
Providing scratch-made baked goods and fresh foods with as many locally sourced ingredients is a priority for Angie. The menu has several staples ranging from sweet to savory – bagels, cinnamon rolls, muffins, breakfast burritos, quiche, omelets, cupcakes, a variety of paninis, and more. During the holiday season, you can find special pastries like Baklava available.
Gertie Cake is a “Bakeshop signature” item. Named after Matt’s grandma Gertrude, it is a buttery cake that consists of cinnamon, apples, and pecans.
It’s comfort food that triggers a childhood memory. -Angie
They also rotate the menu to provide variety and something new for the community with the help of their two daughters, Grace and Maddie, as well as the Bakeshop staff. Grace is following in her mom’s footsteps and attending culinary school.
Several of their employees are first jobbers who are still in high school, known as the “Bakeshop kids,” as well as many twentysomethings. They strive to have a sense of family with their staff and provide a good work environment.
Most stay over a year and then come back during a break from school, Angie shared. They also typically keep in touch over the years.
Angie grew up in a home with an open-door policy where everyone was welcome and that is how they want the Bakeshop to feel.
The ‘Everyone is Welcome’ sign outside is there for a reason, we really mean that. We want people to feel like this is your space.
-Angie
Giving back to the community as much as possible is also a priority for the Flint family.
Over the years they have opened for events like Unplugged, book and album releases, and more. They donate food to the Lander Care and Share Food Bank and help sponsor community events. They also collect donations and host the Lander Pet Connection tree every holiday season. Their walls are often a gallery space for local artists to sell their work.
Employees have come and gone, the menu has evolved, but one thing that hasn’t changed over the years is their love for serving the community.
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