Ansonia resident Traci Grim has been a baker for 26 years, and an avid antiques collector for the past 14.
Now, she’s combined her dual passions with Traci’s On Main, a new pastry and antiques shop downtown.
Local officials and customers gathered March 19 at the store to wish her success for years to come.
The pastry and antiques shop opened its doors five months ago, but Grim said she didn’t want to have a grand opening for their store until it was completely finished.
“I didn’t want to just open a bakery,” Grim said. “I love collecting antiques, and I thought it would be fun to sell them. I let my husband talk me into it, and before I know it we opened the door and now I’m selling my own products.”
Grim and her husband, Scott, welcomed guests with homemade cake, cookie bags, and coffee. Officials and customers snacked as they browsed the store’s antiques.
Mayor David Cassetti said the new shop is a nice addition to Main Street.
“I think it was May or June when Traci and Scott came to me and said that they wanted to open a pastry and antique shop,” Mayor Cassetti said. “I thought that was so unique. I said that would fit in real good here.”
Grim said she chose the spot — at 94 Main St. — because it was right next to Crave, a popular Latin fusion restaurant that expanded last year.
That makes the location a “home run,” Grim said.
Bill Purcell, president of the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce, congratulated Grim during the ceremony.
“To see this space filled with this interesting and eclectic mix of pastry and antiques, they’re creating a very interesting combination here,” Purcell said. “It’s wonderful for people out and about on the street.”
The pastry and antique shoppe sells all kinds of cakes, cookies, canoles, brownies and cakes, with many selections of each.
Click here to see some of the items on the store’s website.
Traci’s also has a Facebook page.
The phone number is 203 – 516-5603.
Grim said her specialty pastries are constantly changing, but right now her personal favorite is her Oreo brownie.
“I always use butter,” Grim said about making her pastries. “It’s the old-fashioned granny style.”
Grim said she is the one who does all of the cooking for the shop, while Scott helps with finding different antiques.
To do so, they travel to states such as Rhode Island and New York to find estate sales, auctions, and flea markets.
The pastry and antique shop has a wish list for guests who come in daily to write down something that they may be looking for.
Grim said that helps her keep an eye out for certain things when she goes shopping for antiques.
Since spring is on its way, Grim said she will be changing the store hours and going for the nighttime treats.
“Most likely we’re going to be open 11 – 9 Wednesday to Saturday,” Grim said. “We’ll have some bistro tables outside in the front. And we’ll do cappuccinos and espressos. I might do creme brulee and lava cakes.”
Grim said opening a business of her own took a little getting used to. Change is hard.
“But this is a beautiful business,” she said. “I like opening the door and coming in in the morning. It’s just like my home.”
Scott said he is very appreciative of the help they received from Cassetti and Sheila O’Malley, the city’s director of economic development.
“I wish them a whole world of success,” Cassetti said. “I’m sure they’ll going to do fine. I love their pastries. They’re in my office every day.”
