Forging Ahead: Buffalo Bakery
Frozen coffee cubes at the Five Points Bakery, Buffalo
Photos by John Rennison, The Hamilton Spectator
Six years ago, when Kevin Gardner and his wife Melissa opened Five Points Bakery and Toast Cafe on Buffalo’s west side, the area was frequented by prostitutes and drug dealers. The sight of the Gardner’s four daughters playing on the street out front of the bakery wasn’t typical of the neighbourhood at the time.
It’s getting to be now.
The Gardners recently sold their west side home for $80, 000 – quite a bit more than the $15, 000 they originally paid for it, even after investing $6, 500 for renovations.
Today, Five Points has moved into a larger space across the street from their original storefront. They renovated it with cash raised by crowd funding. They serve various baked goods but the mainstay in the restaurant is their fancy toasts. Dense, hearty breads served with fresh jams, cheeses and more.
The bakery is in part of an old commercial building. The front part of the building still stands as a break wall to the street for the outdoor patio.
Gardner making toast
Fancy toast
Bread for sale
The iron gates installed on the Five Points property. Their original location is across the street in the green building.
Bread for sale
Fancy toast with egg and cheese
Gardner with customer orders
Bread with some of the raw ingredients
Gardner serves a customer
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