KANSAS CITY, MO — Since 2023, the James Beard Foundation has elevated bakeries from across the US through its prestigious Restaurant and Chef Awards. Being shortlisted for this distinction has helped businesses from all over draw in more customers, giving them a boost in awareness and sales.
This rings true for the latest batch of Outstanding Bakery nominees who are currently reaping the benefits of a national nod.
Tiny but mighty
One of this year’s honorees is Weltons Tiny Bakeshop in Charleston, SC. The bakery’s offerings are vast, including an array of artisan-style, naturally leavened breads and pastries, including kouign-amann with cardamom sugar, salted honey pie, benne seed sourdough loaf and dark chocolate chip cookies
Since its 2022 founding, the bakery has grown quickly, spanning two brick-and-mortar locations with more than 25 employees.
When news broke that Welton’s was a nominee for this year’s JBFA, Hannah Welton, the bakery’s co-owner, was shocked.
“The recognition has filled us with pride,” she said. “It’s such a joy to see everyone’s hard work pay off,” Hannah said.
After the announcement, Weltons saw an influx of foot traffic, and product volume rose 40%.
“We’re all dancing around the clock to get pastries baked and in the case,” Hannah said. “We couldn’t have done it without our team’s dedication and passion for the craft.”
What’s the scoop?
Super Secret Ice Cream in Bethlehem, NH, a woman-owned small-batch ice cream shop, is a repeat nominee in this category, having been on the shortlist in 2025 and a semifinalist in 2024.
“We’re just astounded, as we are every year,” said Kristina Zontini, founder of Super Secret.
Over the years, the recognition has spurred not only local support but additional foot traffic for the business.
“Our town is just so supportive, and we definitely get people coming in who say, ‘We heard about you through James Beard,’” she said.
While its namesake makes up a majority of the business, Super Secret also bakes its waffle cones, inclusions such brownies and cookies, and packaged baked goods. Opting to do so offers the shop additional control over quality and composition.
The Super Secret baking team is led by Aleks Chmielewska, GM and part-owner, and Brittany Kerstetter, who also has a cottage baking business on the side.
Having a baking aspect to its operation and integrating ice cream pies and cakes into its menu helps sustain Super Secret during the off-season.
“It’s huge for us in the slower months when we have time to do more energy-intensive projects,” she said, noting specifically that pie sales around Thanksgiving help keep customers coming into the store. “We love doing that, and it really helps with sales.”
The winning bakery will be recognized at the awards ceremony on June 15 in Chicago.
