Bakery ‘Zoe’s Just Dezzerts’ Opening in Federal Hill, Employs and Supports Individuals on the Autism Spectrum
Bakery Zoe’s Just Dezzerts opens tomorrow at 828 S. Charles St. in Federal Hill. The bakery, which focuses on coffee and desserts, is a new business by Jennifer and Adrian Goldzsmidt and their daughter Zoe Goldzsmidt, who has autism.
Jennifer Goldzsmidt told SouthBMore.com they are opening the bakery to give Zoe Goldzsmidt and others on the autism spectrum an opportunity to work. “It’s deliciously inclusive,” said Jennifer Goldzsmidt.
The Goldzsmidt are working with Itineris, a local nonprofit that helps individuals on the autism spectrum find employment, to staff Zoe’s. Jennifer Goldzsmidt will manage the staff at Zoe’s in consultation with Itineris.
Jennifer Goldzsmidt said it’s important for Zoe Goldzsmidt, who will be running the counter at Zoe’s, to interact with people. Zoe Goldzsmidt has a passion for baking, is a lover of chocolate cookies, and also enjoys singing and performing. Jennifer Goldzsmidt described Zoe Goldzsmidt as intelligent, loving, and adorable.
Items at Zoe’s will include cakes, pies, tarts, brownies, cookies, pastries, and more. It will also serve coffee and espresso drinks.
The first floor of the space has new tile flooring; large widows facing Charles St. and Henrietta St.; an ordering counter with refrigerators and coffee machines behind it; and a variety of seating including counter space, tables, and couches.
Zoe’s also has a well-lit lower level with additional seating and space for meetings. The Goldzsmidts hope to make Zoe’s a meeting space for different autism-supporting organizations around the area.
The retail space was previously the home of Plantacea.
The desserts at Zoe’s are being baked by dessert chefs Nicole Bennet-Jones and Steven Tyler-Villacis at a Presbyterian church in the area. Tyler-Villacis is on the autism spectrum.
The Goldzsmidts purchased a building in the Mount Vernon neighborhood that will serves as the future commercial kitchen for Zoe’s and a second location. That renovation is currently in process.
Zoe’s will be open Wednesday to Sunday from 11am to 8pm.
Photo courtesy of Zoe’s Just Dezzerts
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About the Author: Kevin Lynch
Founder and Publisher of SouthBmore.com, longtime resident of South Baltimore, and a graduate of Towson University. Diehard Ravens and O's fan, father of three, amateur pizza chef, skateboarder, and "bar food" foodie. Email me at Kevin@InceptMM.com and follow me on Twitter at @SoBoKevin.
