“Third space” is a place other than school, work, or home.
Third space tends to be a relaxing space, without any expectations, and a place where you want to be but don't have to be.
This welcoming environment was the idea behind the name Third Space Bakery Co-op and Teaching Kitchen, which opened in Garfield on Friday morning.
The restaurant, located in a former Spoke Pit BBQ restaurant, will be run as a cooperative, so employees can choose to invest in it after an orientation period, giving them a share in profits as well as a say in its operations. Beth Taylor, who co-founded the bakery with Chloe Newman and Erica Bruce, said any investment would entitle her to a bonus from the profits.
Provided by Beth Taylor
Fresh bread from Third Space Bakery in Garfield.
It offers European-inspired cakes and pastries, from cinnamon rolls and sticky buns to sourdough bread, as well as breakfast and lunch service.
“We want this to be a third space where people can come and feel comfortable,” Taylor said. “A third space is a personal place outside of home or work, a first and second space, where one can relax, connect socially, build community, and have fun. .That's part of our mission.”
Bruce and Newman were creators-in-residence at Chatham University's Center for Regional Agriculture, Food, and Transformation, an offshoot of Chatham University's Master of Food Studies program. Taylor earned a master's degree in food studies from Chatham University in 2015.
Bruce and Newman are bakers who sell their products at area farmers markets, including one in nearby Bloomfield.
Pop-ups are being held at Trace Brewing in Bloomfield and Two Frays Brewery in Garfield. There are plans to incorporate craft beer into some of the menus.
The bakery will serve coffee from Redstart Roasters in East Liberty and tea from Gyphon's Tea in Bloomfield. We also plan to offer homemade sodas. Partnering with local businesses such as Frankfurt Farms in Saxonburg and Marburger Farm Dairy in Evans City is a big part of the business plan.
Provided by Beth Taylor
Third Space Bakery's menu is chocolate chunk cookies.
The three were discussing opening a physical store. When Spoke Pit space became available, they decided it was the perfect location. Her 1,200-square-foot space can be converted from a sales counter to a classroom-like facility for cooking and baking demonstrations. They plan to make the most of the space for classes and demonstrations in the evenings and some weekends.
“Our goal is to bring in guest lecturers,” Taylor said. “Available for private classes and team building events.”
The Urban Redevelopment Authority supported the startup with small business loans and website support through its Go Go programs (Get Online and Grow Online).
Provided by Beth Taylor
Garfield's Third Space Bakery Coconut Cake
Bruce said he was excited to see this happen because so much thought went into this.
“It was great to see people flocking to this space during the soft opening (last weekend),” she said.
Now Bruce and Newman can get creative to try new menu items.
“This is a dream come true,” Newman said. “I wanted to be in the right environment and I feel like this is exactly what I wanted.”
Third Space Bakery Co-op and Teaching Kitchen is located at 5349 Penn Ave. Business hours are Friday 8am to 4pm, Saturday 9am to 4pm, and Sunday 9am to 2pm.
detail: thirdspacebakery.com
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region's diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes a weekly column about interesting people and things to do in Pittsburgh. The Edward R. Murrow Award-winning journalist began his career as a sports reporter. She has been with her tribe for her 26 years and is the author of “A Daughter's Promise.” Contact her at jharrop@triblive.com.
