Yellow Springs Baking Company has expanded into a new space: 108 Dayton St., where the homegrown business is set to open up a bakery and cafe featuring sweet and savory goods made by local resident Karina Tafolla. The new YS Bakery & Cafe is open Thursday–Sunday, 8 a.m.–3 p.m. (Photo by Reilly Dixon)
YS Baking Company expands with new cafe, bakery
- Published: July 31, 2024
By Reilly Dixon
When Yellow Springs Baking Company fired up its ovens in early 2022, it was a sweet — and savory — deal for the village.
Since then, the husband-and-wife operation has grown well beyond their professional kitchen in the Millworks Business Park. YS Baking Co. has held down a regular booth in Dayton’s 2nd Street Market over the last year, and they’ve catered many dozens of area weddings, anniversaries and events.
Now comes the real icing on the cake: The baking company is opening up a new, brick-and-mortar bakery and cafe at 108 Dayton St. The grand ribbon-cutting for Yellow Springs Bakery & Cafe was Thursday, Aug. 1. Regular hours thereafter will be Thursday–Sunday, 8 a.m.–3 p.m.
While patrons can expect the company’s usual fare, such as decadent cinnamon buns, stick-to-your-ribs empanadas and pastries galore, co-owner and head chef Karina Tafolla told the News last week that her menu is getting bigger and better.
“We want to offer more breakfast, brunch and lunch options,” she said with a grin. “That’s the goal.”
Starting this month, the pastry cases will also brim with scones, a variety of salads, specialty cakes by-the-slice and the classic flaky croissants, now stuffed with cheeses, creams, meats and veggies.
“What we make each day depends on the season, what I have on hand and what people respond to the most. But when we run out of something, we run out,” Tafolla said. “Still, no matter what, we’re always going to have backups of cinnamon buns and croissants.”
She added: “And people have been asking us about eclairs. We’ll have those, too. Maybe even ice cream.”
Tafolla’s husband and partner-in-business, Rob Houck, said he’s thrilled to be closer to the hustle and bustle of downtown Yellow Springs. Whereas the couple plans to keep their Millworks kitchen for strictly production and baking, all customer-facing business will take place at 108 Dayton St. — a welcome change, Houck said.
As the News has previously reported, Tafolla hails from Mexico and has a culinary degree from the famed Le Cordon Bleu in Pasadena, California. Houck, a finance specialist and entrepreneur, is from neighboring Enon. The pair moved to Yellow Springs in late 2017, three years after they married.
“This has always been our plan,” Tafolla said of the expansion to Dayton Street.
“It’s nice being closer to downtown,” Houck added. “Already, since uncovering our windows, we’ve gotten a much clearer sense of being downtown, being amongst the people. We like being a part of the flow of Yellow Springs.”
That flow has already begun pouring in. Just a few minutes into the News interview with Houck and Tafolla, a passerby poked her head into the new space.
“Hi! Are you open yet?” she asked excitedly.
“Not yet, but come by on Aug. 1 for the grand opening,” Tafolla cheerfully responded, as if she’s said that a hundred times already.
Turning back to the interview, Tafolla said, “You see? That’s what makes us excited to open. People have kept coming in to check on us since we got the space in February.”
The space itself, approximately 500-square-feet and owned by the Baldwin family, is modern and unassuming with its exposed brick walls and clean industrial-chic ambiance. There are six marble tables already adorned with succulents. Soon, Tafolla said, the cafe will feature parametric 3D wall sculptures. Despite the minimalism and with the ovens on standby for the grand opening, the bakery already radiates warmth.
“I love to host,” Tafolla said. “I’ve always wanted to make a space for people to be comfortable, to stay here and work, to talk with friends. I want people to feel relaxed here.”
Also in the old brick building at 108 Dayton St. are art-and-craft reuse nonprofit Sister Trillium and Sidedoor Salon. Upstairs are Robyyn Art Group’s gallery space, Myriad art-and-clothing boutique and forthcoming Funky Flamingo’s clothing store. Next door is Village Cyclery, AC Service, the future Ohio Coffee Co. and the new In Salon. Most recently in YS Baking Co.’s new space was a display room for Village Cyclery’s bikes.
While there are nearly half a dozen locations in Yellow Springs to get coffee and early-morning grub, Tafolla and Houck suggested they can offer something novel and unique at their new bakery and cafe.
“We’re not a coffee place — even though we’ll have drip coffee, tea and other drinks,” Tafolla explained. “We just have coffee to complete the experience of enjoying our baked goods. For other places in town, it’s the opposite: A lot of them have baked goods just to complement the coffee.”
Houck added: “The real difference is our food. I will hang my hat on the quality of our food all day long.”
While the couple stressed the need for their new cafe to stand out in town, they hope the YS Bakery & Cafe will work in concert with other downtown businesses.
“I really think we can complement other businesses on this side of town.” Tafolla said. “When Mom is getting her hair done at [In Salon] next door, come and get a scone while you wait. Get a small breakfast here before your afternoon ice cream at Corner Cone.”
“Come see us,” she added with a warm smile.
After its grand opening Thursday, Aug. 1, Yellow Springs Bakery & Cafe is now open 8 a.m.–3 p.m. Thursday–Sunday.
Click here or more on the business’ origins read the News’ 2022 coverage of the opening of their Millworks production space.
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