By Jacqueline Durett
Correspondent
SOUTH AMBOY — It was hard to tell who was a friend of owner Dana Di Franza and who was just in the neighborhood and stopped by to join the fun at the grand opening of Soul Sisters Cakery Cafe at 112 N. Broadway on Oct. 29.
It was hard to tell whether there were more samples of cupcakes and hot apple cider or more hugs congratulating Di Franza on opening the bakery.
Di Franza said she had always enjoyed baking, but really found her passion when she created a leopard-pink cake for her friend’s 40th birthday a decade ago. From there, she continued making cakes out of her home, as there continued to be demand for them.
“It’s really been nonstop since then,” she said.
However, an opportunity to take her home-based business into a retail setting opened up when the previous bakery in the space, Love Is All You Knead, closed down, Di Franza said.
“The name ‘Soul Sisters’ is from all my friends in here — my family has supported me, I’ve known these people all my life,” she said, adding that she feels the bakery is a tranquil, inspired place to be. She said during the course of opening the business there had been some instances of divine intervention, which confirmed for her that she was on the right course.
“You gotta have that support system,” said Di Franza, who is originally from Cliffwood Beach.
This past weekend’s grand opening was filled with family, friends and patrons, some of whom already had ideas for specialty cakes they wanted Di Franza to make. Di Franza said the menu will change weekly, to keep it fresh, both for patrons and for her own creativity, but will include breads, soups and cupcakes, all made on site.
Di Franza has a variety of tables and chairs set up and said she hopes to cater not only to commuters looking to grab a quick breakfast before getting on the train, but also to residents looking for somewhere to relax and connect with others, even into the early evenings – later than many other bakeries are open.
Di Franza said she is looking to get involved with the business and arts communities, and already has art on the wall courtesy of the South Amboy Arts District. She also had plans to offer hot chocolate outside for city’s Halloween parade the next day.
The grand opening was emotional for Di Franza’s friend and fellow “Soul Sister” Lynn Koehl, who said she teared up during the official ribbon cutting.
“I think it’s wonderful. It’s a dream come true,” she said, adding of Di Franza, “We’re so proud of her.”
For more information, visit soulsisterscakery.com, find the bakery on Facebook or call 732-525-2253.