Shop bakes up goods to awaken senses

by Michele Collins

When entering Awaken Bake Company in Hudson, it is the aroma of bread, scones, cookies and even sometimes pizza baking that welcomes you.  

The bakery – located at 85 S. Main St. in fthe ormer home of Great Lakes Baking Company – is owned by husband-and-wife team Ari Friedman and Stacy Siddle. They met 15 years ago at On The Rise bakery in Cleveland Heights but have enjoyed baking individually since they were kids.

“Ari dropped out of high school at 15 to become a musician,” according to Siddle. “He started working at a bagel joint within walking distance of his house. “

For Stacy, the desire to create delicious baked items with one’s own hands has been a lifelong endeavor. She simply loves to bake.

At their Hudson bakery, the couple said they will only use the best ingredients.

“Awaken Bake Company is dedicated to creating the finest, freshest baked goods using only natural ingredients and eschewing any extra sweeteners,” Siddle said.  “We source and use flours without potassium bromate, a known carcinogen.”

The bakers offer more than 15 kinds of breads. A list discloses which breads will be available each day of the week. On Thursdays, for example, customers can choose from country white, whole wheat, Volkornbrot and rustic French, as well as three kinds of sourdough, two ciabatta and two cinnamon variations.

Scones, danishes and croissants are also typically available as are a variety of cookies and brownies, including chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, rugelach, coconut macaroon, brownies and almond squares. They also bake pizza daily, which is available by the slice and a popular choice for lunch or dinner.

The couple said their happy, creative side helped them arrive at the new name.

“It’s a play on words,” Siddle said. “We awake and then we bake, so Awaken Bake Company just felt right,” she said.

Siddle said that the icing on the cake since opening the bakery has been the feeling of welcome they have received from the Hudson community.

“We are just so grateful for all of our customers and the warm reception we’ve received. We are so thankful to be part of this community,” she said.

The bakery is closed Monday and Tuesday but open Wednesday through Friday from 7 a.m.- 6 p.m., Saturdays, from 8 a.m.-4 pm., and Sundays 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Soon the couple plans to add an online ordering option. Visit awakenbakeco.com. ∞

Photo: Ari Friedman and Stacy Siddle bake a variety of breads, sweet treats and pizza at Awaken Bake Company, which the couple opened in the former home of Great Lakes Baking. Photos submitted.