Four years ago she was Mother of the Bride. I suppose my mom is now Mother of the Bread! She certainly had fun tasting it!
We wrapped up a fantastic opening day by selling out of nearly all of our breads!! It was really a great success. THANK YOU ALL so much for your wonderful comments today!! I enjoyed reading them so much.
I couldn’t believe how HUNGRY I was all day. There was not TIME to eat!! I literally did not have time to stop and eat. I ate my salad and drank my smoothie and had a slice of Popeye bread and a few small squares of Savannah Bar and muffin plus 2 triangles of watermelon that we brought from home.
At 6 we cleaned and cleaned. And counted the greenbacks. And organized and prepped.
And then we celebrated!
We went to Zinc, a local restaurant off Main Street.
The ladies ordered a bottle of Virginia Red, which I enjoyed after the long day
But the real excitement occurred when the staff brought out a tableful of sparkling wine for us to celebrate! From one local business to another, thank you Zinc!
We enjoyed bread and salty butter
And fun times. Kanz had been up since 3am!
Thanks again to the amazing Montana team!!
Mom and I shared the strawberry + beet salad with GRANOLA!
While Dad munched on sardines. They were huge!!
Matt enjoyed the most amazing local sausage – totally fennely!
For dinner I had the scallops, which were perfectly cooked with fingerling potatoes, a GRAHAM crumble (!!) and a beautiful spiced green sauce
And for dessert (!!), mom and I split the strawberry shortcake!! The biscuit was salty and southern – and the whipped cream fluffy and sweet!
I’m long overdue for bedtime, because I can’t slip a blog post 🙂 Hoping for a good night’s sleep! I feel much calmer tonight about the state of the union – so I am optimistic! And tired!!
Nite.
Kate (What Kate is Cooking) says
What a successful first day! Congrats again 🙂
Kat @ Cupcake Kat says
Looks like the perfect ending to a special day
Allie (Live Laugh Eat) says
Congrats on a deliciously successful day! May we have more and more. See you tomorrow, Boss!
KathEats says
lol!
Jen says
Congratulations on what looks like a wonderfully successful opening! Hope you and Matt get to rest tonight – it sure looks like you deserve it. Cheers to continued success!
Estela @ Weekly Bite says
Congrats Kath! What a huge success 🙂
Emily @ One Sweet Vegan says
Wow, I’m exhausted just thinking about how busy your day was. I’m so happy for you guys!
r8chel says
Congrats on a successful opening!! I’m glad to hear that things went so well. Do you have any fun numbers to share from the first day, such as how many people came in, or how many loaves of bread you sold, or how many people brought in their coupon for a free loaf? Just curious. 🙂
KathEats says
We did the bare minimum of counting and headed home, so I don’t even know how many loaves we sold, but it was in the hundreds!
lena says
Looks like the day was a great success! Hope you can get some rest, I see a very busy weekend in your future. Congrats!
Krissy - Shiawase Life says
Yay yay yay! Y’all are rockstars!
Amy says
Its wonderful watching someone’s dreams come true. Thank you for sharing it all with us.
Katelyn @ Chef Katelyn says
Yeahhhh girl POP DAT WINE! You and your mama look so alike, she must be so proud!
Ashley says
I am so happy for you!!
christine says
Congrats from a longtime lurker! You both should be proud.
staceyhealthylife says
What an exciting day. I’m so happy for you that you sold out. I knew you guys would be successful. Hope you have a great weekend and sell even more. And hopefully you get a day off to rest sometime soon.
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen says
Great way to end your successful first day! Love beet salads! granola is such an interesting addition.
Maria says
Wonderful. It’s amazing to see how much work you did during the last weeks, and you can be so proud of you! I am all for spreading the good spirits of good bread!
Molly @ RDexposed says
You rock for opening a bakery today and making sure to blog before collapsing into bed with exhaustion. Congrats on today! It’s definitely a day for the books (blog?)!
sara says
Congratulations on what looks like a very successful day!! If I lived anywhere near you, I would for sure be a regular customer for sure!!
On a note aside from your bakery … in looking at the above picture of Karen (and the previous few I have seen on here) may I just say that she looks absolutely beautiful. She always looks like she is glowing, has a beautiful smile, and it looks as though she has a very kind heart.
Wishing you ALL nothing but the best!!
KathEats says
Aw thanks 🙂 I’ll pass your comment on to her.
Alison @ Hospitality Haven says
I’m so happy to read such amazing updates of your first official day!! All of your hard work has paid off. Many, many, many blessings on your business!!
Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga) says
Glad you’re feeling better about the state of the union and hope you can sleep!
strawberry + beet salad with GRANOLA! = YUM
the champagne/sparkling wine = bigger yum
and the pics with your mom and Matt and your loved ones…so happy for you, Kath 🙂
kris (everyday oats) says
Congrats on such a successful day! Dinner out looks fantastic. It seems like cville has the most amazing array of restaurants!
Justeen @ Blissful Baking says
What an exciting day! Although I couldn’t be there for the grand opening, I visited the GH right by my house, and now I am officially in love with the bread!! My sister and I both had HUGE samples of the honey whole wheat and apple crunch – both delicious! I bought a loaf of Dakota and had a slice as soon as I got home. It was super seedy and doughy and wonderful. I can’t wait to visit your GH in Charlottesville soon!
Becky says
What a great day for you and Matt. I enjoyed meeting you and your Mom today. I have eaten four big slices of your bread today! Gonna have to spend a lot of time on the Monticello Trail if I keep this up. Looking forward to trying more of your breads and wishing you much success with your store.
KathEats says
All uphill!! 🙂
Angel7 says
You have been eating wonderfully appealing and tantalizing meals at your local restaurants lately. They make me hungry just looking at them.
http://faithfulsolutions.blogspot.com/
Alaina says
Glad to hear that your first day went great! Looks like you had fun celebrating too. 🙂
Lea @ Healthy Coconut says
Congrats on a successful day and for taking the time to celebrate at the end of the day.
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
How great for you to have such support! And one fantastic-looking dinner. 🙂
Lenna says
Congrats! You celebrated it really well:)
Chelsea @ Go Chelsea Go! says
Congrats again!! Looks like you had a great meal to end a great day–I honestly wanted to try each of those dishes!
Ashley says
Wow, wow, wow. Look at all you guys have done in such a short amount of time. You own an amazing, fresh, REAL food, bread store!!!!!!!!!!!! Wishing you continued success! I have no doubts that your store will shine and the customers will LOVE you + Matt!! Sleep well!!!!
lani says
Yay!!! Very exciting.
Hillary [Nutrition Nut on the Run] says
What a day!!! & what a restaurant!!! Cville looks like it puts up some stiff competition against California cuisine 😉
Teniesha @ Vegan on the Go-Go says
Congratulations, Kath! It’s been so much fun watching your bakery come together. I’m currently studying abroad in France, but just before leaving, I discovered that there’s a Great Harvest relatively near where I go to university, so I’m pumped to try it upon my return to the States in August.
That beet salad with granola looks incredible! It looks like it had some chopped fresh herbs with it? Parsley or basil? I’m seriously going to recreate that salad! 🙂
P.S. I recently started a new foodie blog, and I’m going to add you to the blogroll, of course, because you are a true inspiration. 🙂
Hannah says
How odd – for the first time in ages, the savouries look more enticing to me than the sweets! How bizarre, how bizarre…
Shane says
CONGRATS Kath! On the opening of the business and your anniversary! I really want to start my own business one day and you are very inspirational. Hope you’re getting some much needed rest.
lynn @ the actor's diet says
wow what a day! curious about that strawberry salad with granola – was it mostly sweet or were there some savory elements? i want to recreate it!
again, big congrats! gotta bake more bread tomorrow!
KathEats says
It was savory, I suppose. Not sweet. Beets with strawbs and olive oil plus granola
Jumanah says
Sounds like a successful day! YAY! Its so good that you almost sold out of bread!
That strawberry shortcake looks divine! In my opinion, you cant go wrong with anything strawberry!
Nadine says
Wow, wow, wow! Congratulations — this has been an amazing journey — I know it is incredibly hard work, but MAN, you guys just make it look so easy!!
Unclechin says
It’s most amazing reading about your journey with the bakery. I’ve been wanting a cafe I can call mine since forever ago and your success story is very inspiring. Thank you.
Kristi says
Congrats on a wonderful first day of business! That is fantastic.
Sandy says
Congratulations, I am so excited for your great opening day. The store looks absolutely beautiful in your open house post. You have put so many really wonderful touches in with all of your goodies displayed so appealingly in the recycled pieces you have worked in. I can only imagine that you are walking on air (except that I’m sure that you are too tired to move). The Charlotte owners coming to sign your first dollar and be the first customers brought tears to my eyes when I told my husband about it. You are such an inspiration to me for dreaming big and then having the guts to follow through and make it happen. So proud of you. Great Harvest Charlottesville is a new vacation destination!
Holly @ The Runny Egg says
I’m glad the first day went so well!!! And what a beautiful celebratory dinner — that strawberry shortcake looks amazing. I just love biscuits!
Cait @ Beyond Bananas says
Love that you celebrated! Congrats on a a successful first day! When you are so busy there is o time to eat.. it is def a success!
Autumn Tao says
Congrats on your success! I’ve been a reader for about 2 years and it’s been fun watching you find your path in life and settle into your new city. I admire you b/c you are incredibly optimistic, while being totally grounded, you have a way with words, you enjoy life everyday, you’ve made your healthy lifestyle a priority, and because you value family and your marriage. Though I am vegan, I willingly admit your blog is my favorite. I think I speak for all your readers when I say “thank you” for your honesty and for sharing your adventures with the world. I believe we are both preparing to start a family this year, so the adventure continues.
All the luck in the world to you Kath.
Namaste and God Bless.
Renee
KathEats says
Thanks so much Renee
Karen says
Props to you for posting such an articulate entry on such a long, hectic day, Kath…looks like a perfectly lovely ending to your celebration. I know I speak for thousands of other bloggie friends who feel immense pride and joy for you as you embark on this new chapter in your life. Despite our distance, know that if you need any support from us, we are close by and happy to lend a hand/ear/advice, etc.
A huge, collective WHEEEEEE! to you and Matt and the whole beautiful KERF family!
xo,
Karen
Heather says
Congratulations on your opening day! How fun the bakery looks awsome and a really fun place to visit!
Heather
Jess says
The store looks beautiful and you guys have worked so hard for it! I’m glad you got to celebrate last night. Congratulations!!!
[email protected] Flying ONION says
Congratulations on the opening of your bakery!! I don’t know you guys in person, but I can tell from reading your blog that you and Matt have the best kinds of personalities for owning your own business. I can’t wait to see where this will take you! 😀
Amanda says
I have written a few times on your blog about how totally inspired I am by you. I think you’re awesome and keep up the good work!
Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope says
CONGRATS KATH!!! You made it through the first day and it was a complete success! 🙂 What a perfect dinner to celebrate with friends and family.
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin says
Congrats on such an amazing first day! I’m sure you have many more great days ahead of you. 😀 I’m glad you guys got to relax for a bit and enjoy a nice celebratory dinner. You must have been exhausted after being on your feet all day!
Liv @ The Salty n' Sweet says
It’s so great that your parents were there to support you on opening day! Nothing better than food and wine to celebrate an amazing day 🙂
Khushboo says
Congrats on such a fabulous first day! It’s just the start of something wonderful! That strawberry shortcake dessert looks like the perfect ending!
MOM says
Yes, congrats. One of the most exciting days of my life. So proud!!
Mary Frances says
I guess Kerfling and Larbling would top it!
Jil @ Big City, Lil Kitchen says
Looks like an absolutely wonderful day – congratulations!!!!
Lyn says
It’s been a fun week for me as a reader! Congrats on a great first day.
Hilary says
Granola and beets in a salad? Ummm…hello delicious. Glad you had a great day!
Angela (Oh She Glows) says
I love seeing you guys so happy! It’s great to see people who are doing what they are meant to do. 🙂 You and Matt must be running on adrenaline I’m sure!
Kelli says
Wooo hooo!! Good for you guys. Clearly the first day was a huge success. I might have to head to the local GH today for some bread…all this bakery talk has me hankering for a loaf. 🙂
Caitlin says
congrats on a great 1st day!
Little Bookworm says
Congrats on such a fantastic first day! 🙂
occula says
I am so happy for you and everyone involved!! If I’m ever anywhere near the area, you can bet I’ll be a customer, and I know I’ll be a happy and satisfied one!!
Kelsey @ Clean Teen Kelsey says
I’m so excited for you! What a successful opening day. How cool that you sold out!
Gina (Yogattude) says
I’m so happy for you both and that you had a fab grand opening! It must have felt so good to sip on that glass of red! Dinner looked awesome…I had scallops last night too…hit.the.spot! (and a rediculous mini rhubarb pie with ice cream…I just LOVE rhubarb when it’s in season!)
J3nn(Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) says
Beautiful dinner to celebrate a fabulous launch. Go, bread, go!
Deva (Voracious Vorilee) says
Congratulations on a fabulous opening day! I hope everyday is just as awesome and exciting :-). I find myself wishing more and more that there was a GH in my area through your posts about the bread!
Sarah says
Congrats on a successful opening!
Dee says
Yay! This is SO great to hear Kath! It’s much deserved. 🙂
Wishing you only more success and blessings in the future!
Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife says
oh wow, much partying going on too, I see 🙂 Good for you!
Stephanie Talbott says
Dear Kath; I have followed your career and life developments from afar; I am a childhood friend of your mom’s. You are amazing! Congratulations! I hope to get to your shop soon.
KathEats says
Thanks so much for stopping in Stephanie!! I let my mom know you were here!
Abby says
That strawberry shortcake looks so good! 🙂 Congrats on your exciting day!
Michelle in DC says
Congratulations! I’m planning a trip to Charlottesville in two weeks with my out-of-town parents, and I’m going to do my best to stop over and put a dent in your stock that day 🙂
anna says
Congrats! I’m excited to follow your journey with this business 🙂
And that strawberry shortcake looks perrrfect. Mmmm salty biscuits…