Saratoga Business Journal
By Rod Bacon
Living above the New York City Bagel & Coffee House in Astoria, Queens, for 10 years inspired a couple to become entrepreneurs and launch what has quickly become a fast-growing bakery business.
Louis and Danielle DeSantis opened Bear’s Cup Bakehouse on Broadway in Saratoga Springs last month and were immediately inundated with customers.
“We had the most insane two weeks of winter break,” Danielle said. “The line went out the door and wrapped around the building every day and we could barely keep up. Now we’ve ramped up production and have more pastry available each day.”
When the DeSantises first moved to the region, they settled in Bolton Landing, where Danielle’s parents, Dawn and Bob O’Keefe, owned The Huddle Kitchen & Bar. The couple had spent summers there since 2014, visiting and helping at the restaurant.
“We had always dreamed of being in business together, and we came to love Lake George so we decided to settle here,” Danielle said.
They opened Bear’s Cup Bakehouse on Lake Shore Drive in 2019, living above the shop for several years. The location operates seasonally from Memorial Day to Columbus Day.
“I knew we wanted something year-round,” Danielle said. “We’ve lived in Saratoga for nearly two years, including a year spent searching for the right space, which we secured last December.”
The space, the former location of Jacobsen Rugs, was completely refitted with new ovens and customer service areas.
The business was completely self-funded.
“We have no investors and no bankers,” Danielle said. “We’re really proud of that.”
Louis is the baker in the family, creating treats from scratch that include bagels, scones, cinnamon buns, donuts, muffins, cookies, breakfast sandwiches and the shop’s specialty, bear claws, along with a selection of hot and cold drinks.
An open kitchen allows customers to watch the food being made.
“The ovens go on in the middle of the night while people are still sleeping, and by the time the front-of-the-house staff arrive, everything’s coming out of the ovens. It’s a beautiful way to wake up,” Danielle said.
The business employs 24 people, some of whom also work at the Bolton Landing shop during the season. Danielle cited Team Leader Alexis Gordon and Administrative Assistant Gareth Kaedy, who transitioned from Bolton Landing. Louis is assisted by a team of four bakers.
The inspiration for the business name came from several sources. In 2019, while Danielle was pregnant with the couple’s son, they were also working on a name. Danielle chose the name Theodore in honor of her grandfather, one of her “favorite people on Earth.” As the family prepared to move north, bears came to mind, leading to teddy bear and ultimately Bear’s Cup.
The couple welcomed a daughter, Stella, in 2022.
Both owners bring varied professional backgrounds. Louis worked in finance for many years in Stamford, Connecticut. Danielle has been a singer since age 16 and has performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” at sports venues throughout the tri-state area. She also led a band, The New Millennials, performing at weddings and celebrity events.
Her restaurant experience began at The Valley Pub in New Jersey, owned by her parents, and continued with formal training through the Hillstone Restaurant Group in Phoenix, Arizona. She continues to sing and is mentored weekly by New York City vocal coach John Lawrence.
“Singing is a big part of who I am,” she said.
Not content with two bakeries, the couple has contracted with BBL Construction Services for space in a building under construction in Wilton. The location is expected to employ about 10 people, with occupancy anticipated later this year.
The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting at the Broadway location on Jan. 7.
Hours are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday; closed Mondays. Online ordering is not offered.
“Our intention is to take care of guests in the shop and provide the freshest product possible,” Danielle said. “Online ordering doesn’t make sense for us.”
For more information, visit bearscupbakehouse.com.