Devoted Portland Bakery Customer Buys Building to Ensure Bakery’s Future

A real estate deal in Portland focuses on saving a bakery instead of making a ton of money.

Mainebiz did a great story about Katie Made Bakery. A bakery that has been around Portland for over 20 years in some form or another. They are just a little gem (as most small bakeries are) in the Munjoy Hill area of Portland on Congress Street. It's run by sisters Katie and Jen Capron.

Sandra Whiston was moving from Boston to Portland and was looking for a neighborhood place that she could make 'hers'. Katie Made Bakery was on Cumberland Avenue in Portland at the time and this was it. Sandra not only became a regular but a good friend. Sandra had a business background and was glad to share advice and even some financial support to keep her favorite bakery going.

About seven years ago, the building was up for sale. Sandra bought the building to become Katie Made Bakery's landlord and ensure their future.

Well...life changed and things happen and Sandra was wanting to sell the building. In this market, she could have made a killing. She had cash offers! But she worked out a deal to sell the building to Katie and Jen of Katie Made Bakery. The sisters weren't sure they could pull it off so they became partners with their neighbors Alejandra and William Zolper. The Zolpers own B. Good in South Portland and Lupita’s Taqueria at 15 Exchange St. in Portland.

This ensures that Katie Made Bakery will be around for as long as Katie and Jen keep making their bakery treats. A feel-good story about real estate that has more to do with neighbors than money.