Business: Uncle Matt’s Bakery, 105 Church Hill Road, Sandy Hook; 203-304-9332

Owner: Matt Kirshner

Business background: Matt Kirshner, aka Uncle Matt, discovered his love for baking as a child, assisting his grandmother around their family home. After completing formal culinary training at the New York Restaurant School, he went on to create and contribute at Manhattan’s Essex House and Russian Tea Room, much to the delight of their patrons. He returned to Newtown, putting in some work at Cafe Xpresso before taking on positions at the Roger Sherman Inn and Bantam Bread Company in Litchfield County. Kirshner said he always wanted to open his own place, however, and following a few conversations with the owner of neighboring Figs restaurant, Kirshner recently cut the ribbon to celebrate the grand opening of his dream come true: his own establishment in Sandy Hook Village Center, where he tantalizes customers with the recipes he still holds dear, prepared straight from his grandmother’s cookbook.

Business focus: Uncle Matt’s Bakery offers fresh breads and pastries; breakfast and lunch all day; and coffees and teas from Newtown’s B.D. Provisions. He will soon be adding weekly specials, leaving those up to the suggestions of his talented, trusted team, as well as seasonal offerings that will include holiday pies. Kirshner is mulling the near-future addition of a waffle station in the rear dining area.

Important to know: Kirshner says he “rolls with the dough,” and never puts out a product that is not up to his exacting standards. He also prides himself on hiring and surrounding himself with staff who he trusts to provide customers with only the best service. He told The Newtown Bee he “likes rustic and cooks rustic,” which is evident in his daily bread and pastry creations, which might include Bostocks — a brioche bread soaked in a orange syrup, covered with a orange almond cream and topped with sliced almonds; or Dirt Bombs — a cross between a donut and a muffin, dipped in butter, then tossed in cinnamon sugar. Order ahead and pick up, or plan to stay and enjoy the style and cozy décor of Uncle Matt’s café and kitchen.

Hours: Monday to Saturday, 7 am to 4 pm; Sunday, 7 am to 2 pm.

Web: unclemattsbakeryandcafe.com

Social: Facebook and Instagram

E-mail: matt@unclemattsbakeryandcafe.com