Yes, folks, Olney, Maryland now has two establishments bound to sate the cravings of your sweet tooth. Passion Bakery and Cafe has been open for several years in the old firehouse in Sandy Spring (technically a mile down the road from Olney), and now the Classic Bakery in the Olney Village Center has opened. Both of these are branches of small local chains, and the fulfillment of immigrant dreams.
In Classic’s case, the grandfather of the current owner founded a bakery in Iran, then continued to refine his craft after moving to this country in 1991. His son, and now his grandson, Areen Movsessian, continue the family’s profession here.
At the grand opening of the Classic in Olney, the crowd was full of carbs and enthusiasm. Friends and family mingled with local government representatives and Chamber of Commerce members. They admired the shiny new space, the outdoor seating, and the cakes and pastries in the display cases.
Although the promised soft-serve ice cream has not yet appeared, we live in hope. We enjoyed plenty of other offerings, some specially made for the opening.
There were short speeches from Terri Hogan, Executive Director of the Chamber, and Craig Zucker, our State Senator. There was a proclamation presentation followed by a ribbon cutting, complete with confetti and an oversized scissors.
A grand time was had by all! And as for me, I’m looking forward to the soft-serve, and the gata, the Armenian sweet bread I remember buying from the Classic’s Gaithersburg branch. Three cheers for immigrants!