Sam Wilder, 23, never expected to become a baker, but his purchase of Elmwood Pastry Shop has him blending tradition with new ambitions.

Elmwood Pastry Shop. Photo credit: Mia Jaworski

By Mia Jaworski

At just 23 years old, Sam Wilder has taken over a neighborhood staple, purchasing the long-running Elmwood Pastry Shop and bringing fresh energy, recipes, and catering to one of West Hartford’s legendary bakeries.

Wilder, a Watkinson School alum who grew up in West Hartford, said he always envisioned working for himself. “I figured it would be better to start earlier than later,” Wilder said. “Not so many people can say they own their own business so early in their careers, but if you have the opportunity, it’s really hard to pass up.”

Wilder also attended culinary school at Johnson & Wales in Rhode Island. He joked that he once envisioned owning a restaurant, not a pastry shop, and that becoming a baker was another unforeseen life path.

The young owner acknowledged the risks of running a food business, referencing national statistics showing about 30% of restaurants fail within their first year. Still, he believes the shop’s long-standing reputation – they’ve been in business 76 years – gives him a strong foundation. “Because even if you fail, at least you have more time to keep trying,” he said.

Wilder purchased Elmwod Pastry Shop just over a year ago and has plans to expand into catering, aiming to serve schools, hospitals, offices and community events. “It’s where the business is,” he said, pointing to catering apps that connect local restaurants and bakeries with customers.

Despite competition from chain cookie shops, Wilder says Elmwood’s offerings set it apart. The bakery is known for its doughnuts and more recently its 10-inch tarts, alongside gluten-free macaroons. “While those places have giant cookies that could be a meal, we have a wide range of pastries,” Wilder said.

Courtesy Image. Photo credit: DJ Ford [@Notdjford on Instagram].

Elmwood Pastry Shop, located at 1136 New Britain Avenue in West Hartford, is open daily at 6 a.m., and closes at 6 p.m. during the week, at 5 p.m. on Saturdays, and at 3 p.m. on Sundays. They also offer freshly-made breakfast sandwiches, and a variety of lunch sandwiches that are served with chips, a pickle, and a choice of cookie or doughnut.

For more information about Elmwood Pastry Shop, visit the bakery’s website.

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