New Bakery Has Familiar Faces

The community will once again be able to purchase the fresh baked goods they used to enjoy from the former Stoneground Bakery. The originators of the previous store are opening Abby's Millstone Baking Company at the same 2400 square foot location on Kanan Road.

"We are happy to be back where it all started," said Abby Franke, the driving force behind the new bakery.

Franke debuted a sampling of his jumbo cookies at this year's Night at the Adobe.

Franke, an accomplished baker from Germany, was persuaded to re-open his business, which shut down in 2011, by loyal customers. One such customer is now president of the company, Debbie Vardi.

"Around the beginning of 2012, Debbie approached me and offered her help ... to raise money. She was my angel," said Franke. "She motivated me, she got a lot of things done."

Most of Stoneground's original employees will be back behind the counter, including head baker Walter Cocka.

"I think you will only see one new face," Franke said. "Everyone is back."

With the financial support of many in the community, Abby's Millstone Baking Company will offer Franke's famous challah, cookies, cakes, scones and artisan bread, all made with natural ingredients and preservatives.

Everything in the store is certified kosher parve by Rabbi Arnold Stiebel of Woodland Hills.

The grand opening, which takes place Sunday, Nov. 4 at 12 p.m., promises a lot of fun for the whole family, said Vardi.

"There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony, music, a challah-eating contest and lots of samples," she said. "We want to let the community know we are back."

In addition, Sunday's event will showcase tables established by other local businesses.

"They were there to support Abby, so we want to be there to support them," said Vardi.

The bakery, located at 5005 Kanan Rd., will be open Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.