Carousel Bakery and Cafe now open in new Main Street location

from the Stockton Sentinel, 4/25/2013

It took longer than expected, but the Carousel Bakery and Cafe has finally made the move from its former locations south of town and is now open for business on Stockton’s Main Street.  And the wait was more than worth it!

Carousel 6Work began in earnest to renovate the old computer shop into a bakery last fall.  With the help of owner Laurie Antonini’s husband, Dominic, and her parents, David and Cheryl Calvin, the entire building was gutted and all new wiring, plumbing, etc. was done and equipment was ordered.  All of this was more time consuming than first anticipated from the sanding and spraying of the chairs to the re-upholstering of the colorful seat covers.  But the concept of Laurie’s, even with all of the challenges of late nights, paint decisions and personal touches, is one she can be very proud of.

When patrons fist step into the quaint bakery shop at 318 Main, the bright wall colors of Mountain Dew green, banana yellow, tangerine orange and raspberry mousse immediately welcome a person into a place that reminds them of special childhood memories.  The tables are covered with table cloths featuring oranges and cherries, which for most, will take them back to the 1950’s Mom and Pop Soda Shops atmosphere.  The tables are scattered around the front of the shop, as well as lined up against the walls to accommodate large or small groups, inviting them to sit down and stay awhile in order to share some friendly conversation while drinking a cup of coffee or glass of milk with a freshly baked doughnut or scone.  The hanging lights add character to this already endearing shop, which also showcases Laurie’s cake paintings.

Laurie graduated from the Wilton School of Cake Decorating in Chicago in 2005.  She was then the pastry chef for the Dillon’s flagship store in Wichita baking cakes for such notables as actress Kirstie Alley, past Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius and the president of Dillon’s before the family moved here to the hometown of Laurie’s mom.

Carousel 3Besides doughnuts, at the Carousel you can enjoy cookies, brownies, cupcakes, pies and other baked goods, and of course delicious ice cream.  Laurie specializes in special order items for weddings, birthdays, or anniversaries.  Please order cakes at least two weeks in advance of the event by coming into the bakery and visiting with Laurie or calling 785-415-2000.

Business hours are 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.  Find Carousel Bakery on Facebook @carouselbakerycafe.