Simone’s Bakery, the talk of the town since renovations first began at the former Inspirations Floral, is finally open for business.

The bakery held a soft opening on Oct. 31, just placing the “Open” sign on the front door. They sold out of multiple items quickly that day, according to owner Valerie Simone.

Valerie and her husband Kenny moved to Lock Haven in early 2020 from Wisconsin before the pandemic hit. The couple, who were originally from the Philadelphia area, bought a home along Water Street before deciding to open a bakery in September.

“I want it to be the stereotypical, quintessential small town bakery,” Valerie said. “I want kids who get a good report card to come and get a sweet to celebrate or moms to stop by with their kids after dance practice.”

LAURA JAMESON/THE EXPRESS A variety of cheese cakes and layer cakes with different flavors and toppings are on display in a refrigerated case in Simone’s Bakery.

Baking for Valerie is something she can trace back to her childhood.

“I love baking. My relatives had orchards in Michigan and we grew up picking apples, strawberries and other fruits,” she said. And what do you do with fruit?

“You bake pies,” she said.

Simone’s Bakery will offer more than just pies however. Bringing her experience from running a bakery and restaurant in Alabama, Valerie will have a wide variety of baked goods.

From cheesecakes and regular cakes in a variety of flavors, to pies, breads, and other sweet treats like whoopie pies and cookies the bakery will have a little bit of everything.

Valerie said that the boards hanging on the inside of the store offers a price list and isn’t necessarily the exact menu.

“We’re not going to make everything every day. We’ll have some of it, it depends on the demand,” she said. “We’re going to react to what the customers like.”

Customers will be able to order a whole pie or even enjoy a single slice with a cup of coffee, tea or cocoa, Valerie said.

And they don’t have to leave after their purchase. A dining area has been set up in half of the store. Customers can grab a slice of cake or a couple of cookies and drink and watch people walk up and down Main Street or the cars zip by.

Valerie also plans to offer a soup of the day option as well, she said.

Simone’s Bakery will be open 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. Valerie will also offer some specialty orders as well for holidays and other events.

If you have any questions about what they offer you can stop by the store at 24 E. Main St. or call 570-858-5653.