Posted: 11/13/02

FLís downtown 81-year-old bakery makes improvements

Cliff Buchan
News Editor

Businesses in Forest Lake come and go, but the cityís downtown bakery has been holding its own for the past 81 years.

But that doesnít mean that Country Home Bakery and Deli is sitting pat. Far from it.

Owner John Lewis has recently directed a remodeling project and product expansion move that is designed to update the bakery and make it inviting to the many new residents who have moved to Forest Lake in recent years.

The bakery opened in 1921 and has never moved from the downtown. Lewis purchased the business in 1981 and two years later moved it to its current home, Town Square, 20 N. Lake St.

In making the internal changes this summer and fall, Lewis said he wanted to upgrade the facility to deal with todayís changing population basis while pointing out the bakeryís rich history and tradition in the downtown.

As part of its remodeling effort, the bakery has added all new bakery cases which have curved glass and a European look, Lewis says. All new back cases and refrigerated cases were added.

The dining area was given new lighting, ceiling tile and wall treatment as part of the overall $40,000 improvement project.

To enhance customer enjoyment, the dining room is now a smoke-free eating area.

As part of its menu changes, Country Home Bakery and Deli has greatly expanded its bakery lines, adding a number of crusty and artesian breads. The bread lines include several new additions, such as sourdough, cranberry and walnut, harvest grain and rosemary and olive.

The new lines were added to enhance the product lines and meet customer requests, Lewis said.

ìWeíre getting more and more requests,î Lewis said.

The deli offerings have also changed this fall. The daily menu has been expanded to include one hot deli sandwich each day.

Lewis is assisted in the business by his son, John Lewis Jr. who heads up the production department. Daughter Joelle Lewis is the deli manager.

They head up the 25-employee team working at the bakery and deli.

Country Home Bakery and Deli is open seven days a week.

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