Something wicked this way comes and is it ever sweet
Kelly Lee (left) and Eugene Anderson took the chance in Cadott, and opened Wicked Sweet Bake Shop in August, offering the famous and long-desired horseshoe maple doughnuts. That chance paid off in a major way, as the bakery often sells out of goodies early in the day. Photo by Ginna Young
By Ginna Young
It was too sweet an opportunity for Kelly Lee and her boyfriend Eugene Anderson to pass up, when the old Cadott Bakery at 334 N. Main Street, came up for sale.
“It’s kind of been my dream to own a bakery,” said Lee Lee never officially was employed at a bakery, but worked at her mom’s in-home bakery growing up, helping make pies, cakes and cookies. Still, Lee decided to follow her dream, so she and Anderson purchased the property, naming the venture, Wicked Sweet Bake Shop, so named, because of the decor.
“At home, we have skulls everywhere,” said Lee. “I just love them. It’s relatively subtle, but it’s still us.”
It took about a year, but while the couple was still working full-time jobs and raising their four children, they were also getting the vacant bakery ready to open. After renovating in the front of the interior and some deep cleaning, it was finally time to open Aug. 22.
“We took our time and did what we wanted to make sure it was what we wanted,” said Lee.
After about four years without a bakery, Cadott residents were excited to see what was on the menu, especially the beloved horseshoes – frosted maple doughnuts that have a long history in Cadott.
“Same recipe, same technique, everything,” said Lee. When people found out the favorites were back, there was literally a line out the door and back to the next door building. “It’s been really busy every day,” said Lee. “It’s not very often that we get more than 10 minutes without somebody in here.” In addition to the horseshoes, brownies are a big seller and cheesecake slices sell really well, along with filled cinnamon rolls, homemade bread, cookies and cupcakes. There are caramel apples from a local orchard and Lee wants to introduce pumpkin bars into the mix, welcoming input from the public.
“We’re open to suggestions,” said Lee.
The bake shop also takes orders for baby showers and parties, or doughnuts for those who don’t want to get up so early to visit the bakery. The shop also offers Sprechers soda, and Lee wants to bring in t-shirts and other things into the space, to give some variety.
Hours for the shop are 6 a.m to 2 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, and Saturday, 6 a.m. to 11 a.m., with only the two of them working.
“We get here at midnight,” said Lee, but former owner Dan Schmitt drops in now and then, pitching in over his cup of coffee. “He’s still rolling out cookies.”
If anyone wants to get in touch with the bake shop, they can call 715-456-3955, email kelly@thewickedsweetbakeshop. com or visit thewickedsweetbakeshop. com.
After only a couple months in business, the bakery has regular customers, who, even when the bakery sells out, are not sad about missing their sugar rush, but are happy to see the venture succeed.
“The community’s been great,” said Lee. “It’s nice to have the support.”
