T h e B a k e r ' s G r o v e

Pastry Chef Matthew Rosenzweig

Your bakery name is so unique! What inspired you to name your company "The Baker's Grove"?

I have always had a fondness for spending time at the local apple orchard and cherry tree grove, picking fruit, or just watching things grow as I took evening walks. I loved the idea of focusing on utilizing seasonal produce from local farms and orchards at the bakery. The Baker’s Grove felt like the right name for me. It became a place you can go to enjoy the freshest locally-grown fruits and vegetables transformed into sweet and savory delights.

When did you know that you wanted to become a chef?

After spending some time in the publishing world, producing photo shoots for various magazines, in my mid-twenties I was looking for a career change. I thought about returning to one of my original passions of baking. I got a job at a local bakery to see if it would be something I would enjoy professionally, and the rest is history.

Where is your bakery located?

The Baker’s Grove is located in Monmouth County, New Jersey in the historic borough of Shrewsbury. We are part of The Grove West luxury shopping plaza.

What kind of bakery items do you offer?

We offer made-from-scratch artisan pastries and desserts, including an array of croissants, brioche, scones, cinnamon rolls, macarons, crumb bars, doughnuts, tarts, cookies, cakes, and more. We like to highlight whatever is in season, and especially produce that is grown locally, both sweet & savory.

Your Instagram page is stunning with colorful bakery items and Nature. Why is Nature important to you and your bakery?

Nature plays a big part in the creations at the bakery. I’m incredibly inspired by the colors, shapes, textures, and scents I find on my local walks and hikes, as well as the fruits and flowers I forage. Using what grows around us has become very important here.

Do you have a favorite bakery item?

I love the comfort and nostalgia of a good Boston cream doughnut, so our version, the Boston cream brioche, has always been a go-to treat for me.

If you could combine the perfect bakery item, drink, and meal, then what would it be?

A wonderfully flaky and buttery croissant with a warm cup of honey-sweetened Earl Grey tea. A savory asparagus and goat cheese tart for a meal would be simply perfection.

Holiday times are an amazing time where customers love to shop for bakery treats!

Is there a holiday that you absolutely enjoy the most to make bakery goodies?

Christmas can’t be beat! It’s such a joyful time of year with music, lights, presents and decorations. One of the busiest times for us, but so much fun to create festive treats that will be enjoyed amongst so many families and friends.

"Christmas can’t be beat! It’s such a joyful time of year with music, lights, presents and decorations. One of the busiest times for us, but so much fun to create festive treats that will be enjoyed amongst so many families and friends".

Are there any challenges you've had to overcome as a chef?

Definitely keeping organized in the kitchen has been a challenge. Coming from an art background where I could make a mess creating a painting, it was a difficult transition to working more precisely and cleanly with everything in its place.

What are some words of advice you can give to future chefs who want to start their own bakery?

You have to be passionate, dedicated, and very driven to want to do this type of work.  Owning your own business means taking on a lot more responsibility, and you have to be ready to deal with all that comes with that. You’ll spend long hours in the kitchen, but also with the business side dealing with repairs, inventory, payroll, bookkeeping, marketing, insurances, human resources issues, and on and on.

"You have to be passionate, dedicated, and very driven to want to do this type of work.  Owning your own business means taking on a lot more responsibility, and you have to be ready to deal with all that comes with that."

Outside of your business, what are some other hobbies that you enjoy?

I enjoy spending time outdoors on walks and hikes. I also enjoy taking photos, drawing, and painting.

Follow at:
Instagram: @thebakersgrove
Facebook: @thebakersgrove