There’s a new bakery coming to town and we were excited to chat with owner Benita Anderson to learn a bit more about her (and of course, the plans for the bakery!). Find out what brought her family to Glens Falls last year, how she keeps busy when she’s not in the kitchen (spoiler alert: keeping up with her children!), and the menu items she’s most excited about with the upcoming opening of Bella Lyn’s Bakery and Cafe on South Street.
Tell us about yourself!
My name is Benita and I am the owner of Bella Lyn's Bakery & Cafe. I'm a self taught baker, motivated by my family to turn my hobby into a business that can help support them. Most of my days consist of being a mom and a wife attempting to juggle football games, jiu jitsu, pack lunches and whatever else my children decide to indulge in.
After all that is done, I have what seems like minutes for myself and that's when the creativity begins to flow and I'm making cupcakes or dipping fruit at three am. My true passion is giving back and I’m always looking to help those in need. I am hopeful my new business will help me do just that.
On Life In Glens Falls
My family is not originally from this area. My husband is actually a NYS Correctional Officer at one of the local facilities. After visiting the area, it quickly grew on us and he decided to transfer. We began our new life here about a year and a half ago. It is a beautiful place to live and we love how close the community seems to be. It seems to give us some of that city familiarity and small town vibes we've been looking for. I feel it's a great place to raise a family.
A Perfect Glens Falls Day
My ideal day in the city would probably start at Starky's Diner. My kids love eating breakfast there. The kids and I are most likely having hot dogs, pancakes with bacon and eggs. The hubby is going to order sausage biscuits and gravy with runny eggs. He's discovered a north country staple and he loves it.
My children are super active, so I would have to say the next stop would be Crandall Park to let the boys burn off some energy before lunch. Downtown City Tavern would definitely be our lunch stop.
Date nights are unfortunately few and far between but my husband and I have been meaning to try Mikado.
On the Past
One memory that's going to stick with me was the day we moved here. We moved at the height of the pandemic - with barely any of our belongings - into a hotel. Within a week we found a home, but our furniture delivery was delayed with no expected date of arrival. We ate pizza while sitting on our floor, but regardless, we knew we were home. It felt amazing to the point we've made it a family tradition. Whenever we move we eat on the floor.
On the Future
This may seem just a little biased, but I'm going to have to say Bella Lyn's Bakery & Cafe is what Glens Falls is missing. We will be offering warm empanadas stuffed with meat and cheese inside of a flaky crisp crust. I love eating Puerto Rican rice and beans with pulled pork, but I can't find it here - so luckily it will be on our menu as well. Stay tuned!
