EDITORS NOTE: This story originally ran on February 12th 2021 and is being updated to show the new grand opening date for Vance’s Bakery Bar of March 19th 2021.
She wanted a bakery; he wanted a bar, so Troy and Amy Adamo created a bakery bar.
They hope to open Vance’s Bakery Bar on James Brown Boulevard the second weekend in March.
Troy will make craft cocktails while Amy will bake sweet treats, all of which have alcohol as an ingredient.
“She’s put a lot of effort into developing the recipes,” he said.
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Baking with alcohol is tricky. It doesn’t work to substitute alcohol for water in a recipe. The alcohol evaporates quickly, so there’s a science to keeping baked goods from drying out too much. There’s been a lot of trial and error in developing her signature sweets, and more than one batch has ended up in the trash can never to see the light of day, she said.
Amy spent 20 years in human resources before she decided to follow the passion for baking instilled in her by her grandmother. Troy came from a religious background and didn’t drink anything alcoholic until he was in his 30s. He said he appreciates the craftsmanship and ingenuity that goes into creating a signature cocktail. He had to wait until he retired from the Air Force to pursue his dream.
The journey to creating the bakery bar has been several years in the making. It’s named after Amy’s father, Vance Bolan, who died about three years ago on his 80th birthday.
He was a young 80, Troy said. A retired schoolteacher, he was also a coach and was very active throughout his life.
The Adamos signed a lease on the property in November 2018 and have been working to renovate the space that was once a horse stable. They’ve both become certified mixologists and have consulted with Rob Floyd of “Bar Rescue” on their cocktails.
“He’s opened 800 bars, and he said he’s never heard of this concept,” Amy said.
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There were a few hitches along the way including COVID-19, but they started building their brand. One of their goals is to collaborate with other businesses. They’ve done pop-up events around town in spaces such as Savannah River Brewing Co., Tip Top Taps and Pineapple Ink Tavern. They’ve used local craft beers and local spirits in Amy’s cookies, cakes, pies and cobblers.
They plan to continue that type of effort once the doors are open. Buona Caffe is developing a signature coffee for them to serve in addition to the alcohol.
The Adamos are excited about their location. It will have a mid-20th century vibe with music from the 1950s and 1960s playing. There won’t be a band. One of the walls will showcase Steve Snyder’s mural.
Amy said the mural looks like 1960s wallpaper peeling off the walls to reveal a 1950s woman holding a cupcake.
It will be an intimate space where couples can go after seeing a play or concert downtown or have the perfect culinary event after dinner.
There will be a set menu of 11 baked items including Amy’s bourbon chocolate chip cookies. She may have one or two specials.
Not only are business collaborations important, but the duo believes in giving back to the community as well. Amy said there will be one cocktail on the menu to help raise funds for area charities. One charity will be featured each month.
Charmain Z. Brackett is the Features Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach her at charmain@theaugustapress.com
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