We have been busy training new owners in the bakery and classroom these past few weeks. I had a chance to spend some time with an impressive woman and learn more about her journey to small business owner.
Donna McNeil describes herself as, “a former lifelong retail shop owner, avid baker (in small quantities thus far!), proud mom, dog lover, and type A who gets bored easily....though that doesn't seem to be in the cards since taking on this endeavor!” She will soon open her very own whole grain bakery in Old Saybrook, CT and is looking forward to being a part of this healthy franchise option.
After a 27 year career in retail, Donna recently embarked upon a new chapter of, "What to be when I grow up." She says, “One day I sat down and asked myself ‘What do I like to do? What am I good at? What makes me happy?’ The answers were simple. I love to bake and cook. Up came the name ‘Great Harvest Bread Company’ as one of the best bakeries there is!”
Donna’s favorite Great Harvest Bread Co. product to is Spinach Feta (check out the link for a great recipe!) bread. “I had this bread one day in the North Kingstown, RI bakery and I think it may be the best bread I have ever had. I am not a fan of butter and love a bread that I can simply eat on its own....so far I have yet to find a Great Harvest bread that doesn't fit this bill,” said Donna.
Donna is very excited to open her bakery and share the gift of whole grain bread and sweets with the community of Old Saybrook.
By Juliejules (Own work) [CC-BY-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
