Third Space Bakery Opens in Garfield While Bitty & Beau’s Offers Coffee and Inclusion in the Strip

The two companies have unique business models.
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PHOTOS BY KRISTY GRAVER

Third Space Bakery, which opened in Garfield on April 12, is the first pastry purveyor on that stretch of Penn Avenue in 35 years.

It sells European-inspired cakes, sourdough breads, breakfast and lunch options and Redstart Roasters coffee. The business also will host community and private events and offer cooking and baking classes taught by the owners as well as guest instructors. Courses begin April 17. Check out the online calendar for subjects ranging from Sourdough 101 to Recipes of the Barefoot Contessa.

Owners Erika Bruce, Chloe Newman and Beth Taylor want the building at 5349 Penn Ave. to be a “third space” for customers, a place outside of their home and office where they can relax, connect and have fun. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.

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PHOTO BY KRISTY GRAVER

It’s fitting that the cooperative business opened on 4/12, a day Pittsburghers celebrate living in the 412 area code. Future employees, after an orientation period, can opt to invest in the cooperative, giving them a voice in the operations as well as a share of profits.

Another job perk? Getting a chance to taste all of the menu items.

From sticky buns, scones, cookies and cake by the slice to whole grain focaccia bread, pan pizza and raisin walnut loaves, the place is a carb-lover’s dream.

The founders are no strangers to Pittsburgh’s foodie scene.

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TAHINI BROWNIE FROM THIRD SPACE BAKERY | PHOTO BY KRISTY GRAVER

Bruce is a culinary school graduate specializing in pastry and helped formulate recipes for Lawrenceville’s Oliver’s Donuts. Newman ran the successful Crust Worthy bakery for five years. Taylor, who has a master’s degree in food studies, enjoys teaching, writing and leading food tours.

The trio’s experience is evident in each bite.

I ate my enormous Tahini Brownie while walking through a nearby cemetery — because it was to die for.

Bitty & Beau’s Coffee

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PHOTO BY MATT RAY PHOTOGRAPHY

On Monday morning, as I waited for an Americano at the new Bitty & Beau’s Coffee in the Strip District, there was a phrase I kept hearing.

“You’re doing a great job,” the manager repeatedly told his staff, who smiled and cheered each time he said it.

The North Carolina-based chain, which has 19 shops across 11 states, hires people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It has hired more than 450 employees with disabilities for its shops nationwide. The 18-member Pittsburgh crew, who work side-by-side with typically developing supervisors, officially started on April 13.

“As the parents of two children with Down syndrome and one with autism, we were astonished to learn that 80% of people with disabilities don’t have meaningful employment in our country,” says Amy Wright, who started the company with her husband Ben in 2016. “We didn’t want our kids to become part of that statistic.”

Bitty & Beau’s, named after their children with Down syndrome, is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m at 1920 Smallman St.

There’s a wide range of food and beverage options at the shop, including pastries, lattes, cappuccinos and smoothies. Customers are given a playing card to keep track of their order.

“Three of hearts!” echoed through the room when my drink was ready.

An employee handed me my cup and then she thanked me for my patronage. As the mother of a teenager with autism, this seemingly mundane interaction warmed my heart.

I smiled at her, hoisted my coffee and said, “You’re doing a great job.”

Categories: PGHeats