Market Stall Cakehouse To Bring Its Americana Bakes to a Permanent Shop in Fitzroy

Like many, Suzie Hutchins turned to baking during the pandemic. But while most stopped at banana bread, Hutchins says she “knuckled down”. She turned her Fitzroy apartment into a cottage bakery and founded cake and sweet pie delivery service, Cakehouse. The brand grew by word-of-mouth, eventually moving operations to a commercial kitchen at Hardimans Hotel and popping up at markets including Melbourne Farmers Markets and Stay Soft Studio.

With demand at markets only rising – “People come back for pies every week” – Hutchins knew it was time to step out of shared kitchens and into her own. In August, she’ll open a bricks-and-mortar bakery at 336 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy. “I always thought you needed a lot of money and capital behind you to do things you love, but I’m realising anyone can do it. You just need to keep at it,” says Hutchins. The chef of 20 years also previously opened Shadow Wine Bar & Dining Room in Perth after working as a savoury chef at Melbourne restaurants including Crown’s Number 8 and Little Creatures Dining Hall.

The menu at the Cakehouse store will “stay true to what people know and love,” Hutchins says. That means generously portioned bakes that lean into American baking traditions and incorporate produce from small farms. Expect the best-selling sweet and sour cherry pie made with Riseborough cherries from Cherry Hill Orchards in Yarra Valley, and the OG apple pie made with Zooie’s Apples from Main Ridge. Plus, maple pecan pie, salted-honey pie and s’mores pie topped with towering peaks of marshmallow.

Decor will be kept simple and honest. “I just want people to feel welcome and comfortable to gather,” Hutchins says.

Going bricks-and-mortar is a bittersweet farewell to markets, though Hutchins still hopes to pop up occasionally at Melbourne Farmers Markets in Carlton, Coburg and Alphington. “The hardest thing about the shop will be missing the other stallholders,” says Hutchins. “That connection grounds you. It’s been so inspiring for me.”

Cakehouse is expected to open at 336 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy this August.

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