LaunchNET Supports Small Town Bakery

Laura Baciu, HCMBA , a Baldwin Wallace University alum, combined her love for her hometown, desire for community space, and passion for authentic pastries to found Coco Cafe an independent bakery & coffeehouse that crafts pastries, breads and coffee using techniques and ingredients unique to various regions of the world, striving to foster appreciation for different cultures through food.?

The Vision

Located in Hinckley, Ohio, Coco Café was inspired by Baciu’s love for the community she grew up in. A small town that has experienced booming population growth over the past few years, Hinkley lacked a welcoming space where residents could connect as a community, meet with clients, or catch up with friends. That is until Baciu founded Coco Café. “In our first year, we have managed to create a stronger sense of community among Hinckley and surrounding suburb residents, and to cultivate a shared passion for delicious and authentically made pastries and beverages.”

Experiencing Coco Café

Coco Café customers are always greeted by friendly staff and are invited into the baking process through the café’s expo-style kitchen. A European-inspired dining space offers customers a welcoming atmosphere where they can enjoy a coffee or pastry, all baked fresh daily onsite.

Looking Ahead

“My goals for Coco Café center around providing more options for our customers and the community, namely establishing wholesale relationships and expanding into new service offerings like event space rentals, catering and onsite baking classes.” On December 14th, Coco Café will host a Holiday Cookies Baking and Decorating class where participants will learn to bake and decorate three holiday cookie varieties. You can register for this baking class here!

The Rewards of Entrepreneurship?

Baciu notes that the most rewarding moments of her entrepreneurial journey are the ones she experiences every day: seeing repeat customers who enjoy the space as she intended and who the Coco Café staff have created lasting friendships with. Baciu also says that it is rewarding to meet new customers who are impressed by Coco Café’s menu and atmosphere. “They don't expect to see a European-style cafe in Hinckley!”

Growing with LaunchNET

A Burton D. Morgan Foundation Morgan Startup Grant recipient, Baciu is utilizing LaunchNET funds to maintain and update the Coco Café website and social media accounts to reflect her venture’s expanding services, and to support her growth initiative goals of offering baking classes and space rental. Baciu notes that LaunchNET has helped her discover many of the resources available to entrepreneurs. “Having connected with LaunchNET through my alma mater gave me confidence in the advice and guidance offered, and the connections I've made at LaunchNET and with other grant recipients is the best outcome and the 'gift that keeps on giving.’”

Want to learn more about Laura Baciu and her venture? Follow the Coco Café Instagram page, and visit the Coco Café website to learn more!?

About LaunchNET

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