Sara Jo Suter brings tasty treats to Theodosia at new bakery
Sara Jo Suter opened her new bakery, Suter’s Sweets Bakery, in the strip mall off Highway 160 in Theodosia earlier this month. Formerly employed as a nurse, Sara Jo said she took a leap of faith this year to pursue her real passion, baking and decorating cookies.
The aroma of fresh-baked cookies, pastries and other baked goods now floats through the air in downtown Theodosia several days a week, thanks to the town’s newest business addition, Suter’s Sweets Bakery.
Nestled in the shopping center off Highway 160, the bakery opened its doors earlier this month, and is already drawing a fan base of locals and visitors alike who rave about her tasty handcrafted treats.
For owner Sara Jo Suter, the shop is more than just a bakery, it’s a dream years in the making. “When she graduated from kindergarten at Thornfield, they asked what they wanted to be. She said a mommy and a cookie baker. She is now fulfilling both of these things,” Sara Jo’s mom, Karen Cunningham, told the Times.
Sara Jo and husband Shane Suter, both Gainesville High School alumni, live in Theodosia with their three boys, Corbin, Ellis and Nolan. Employed as a nurse in the healthcare field, she began the hobby of making custom sugar cookies with royal icing about five years ago. As word spread about her beautiful, detailed creations, her customer base grew - as did her interest.
Now, Sara Jo works full time making a delectable variety of treats and running the bakery, continuing the tradition of generations of great bakers in her family.
“Baking is in my blood thanks to my Grandma Patty [Donley], Aunt Sue [Deroo] and many other members who inspired me with their love of cakes and baking,” Sara Jo said. “I’m honored to continue this legacy and share my passion with all of you.”
The bakery is open from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays.
For more information, visit “Suter’s Sweets” Facebook page, call the bakery at 417-989-1411 or stop in, 5566 Highway 160 in Theodosia.
“Visit me at the bakery, indulge in a treat or two and experience the joy of baking that I’m so passionate about,” Sara Jo said. “I look forward to sharing new recipes with you!”