The Cozy Corner Bakery officially opened at its location at 3 West Avenue, Atlantic Highlands, Saturday afternoon when Mayor Lori Hohenleitner and Councilwoman Alison Forbes officiated at the ribbon cutting ceremony surrounded by friends, neighbors and dozens of well wishers.
Heidi Hackett, Administrator of the Atlantic Highlands Chamber of Commerce, Chamber vice-president Sara Murphy and other chamber members were present to welcome one of their newest members to the Chamber and wish her success in her venture.
Owner and baker at the new business, Nicolina Falco of Tinton Falls, said she wanted to open her first bakery shop in this borough because of its charm and the friendliness of its residents.
“I bake because I love it,” the happy baker said with enthusiasm, “and I love to bake for the people I love.” All baking is done on the West Avenue premises.
That the Cozy Corner is indeed cozy is evident in the comfortable chairs and two tables inviting conversational visits, the cabinet in a front corner of the shop filled with recipe books, family photos and colorful flowers and the cases of pastries, cakes, cupcakes, and cookies, many colorful with sprinkles and other decoration.
But most telling about the coziness and family setting of the Cozy Corner is the handwritten note framed and on view on the display cabinet . The note to Cellina is from her Nana giving her advice and signing it with love.
“That’s one of my two Nanas,” the baker pointed out, “Nana Liz and I have plenty of love from Nana Nancy as well, “ she said.
Nicolina, who is a graduate of Rutgers University and also continues to work at her corporate job in technology, said while she holds her bachelor’s degree in political science, she learned how to cook and bake from both her Nanas. While she will continue working her professional job, which she can do it at home since Covid changed schedules, she is choosing to open her own business because of love for the Nanas who taught her and encouraged her to enjoy what she does in life,. She also opened the shop because she wants to share her baking ability with other people. “I don’t have any culinary or baking secrets,” she laughed, “it’s just that I bake with love.”
“I bake with love,” she said, “because it is a passion of mine and I want to share with others, and where better than here in Atlantic Highlands.”
The shop is currently open Fridays through Sundays, and beginning Oct. 10 will be open Thursdays as well. Thursday and Friday hours are from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday hours are from 8 a.m.. to 1p.m.
