A new bakery on Columbia Road offers its patrons a taste of Hispanic Culture.
The Fresco Café, 4017 Columbia Rd, is the only authentic Hispanic bakery in the CSRA, according to Marketing Coordinator Brenda Westrom.
The co-owners, Ralph Armstead and Miquel Cruz, adamantly provide an authentic experience by shopping in Atlanta for most of the ingredients, imported from Mexico. Baker Rigo Berto creates the pastries on-site. Local Hispanic contractors completed the building renovations and built the custom-made display cases. As part of the theme and to offer an authentic environment, all of the front staff are bi-lingual. Additionally, the staff is able to explain the pastries to patrons who might not be as familiar with Hispanic culture.
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“When we opened this up, we had a lot of members of the military community come in and be thankful there is a taste of home here,” Westrom said. “It’s more than just a bakery. It reminds you of home.”
According to California-native Westrom, the Hispanic staple foods are prevalent in the Golden State, but in Augusta there was “something missing.”
“Our pastries are totally different,” Armstead said and explained that Hispanic baked goods contain a subtle sweetness in comparison to doughnuts in American bakeries. Westrom attributed the decreased sugar content to making it “dangerously easy” to indulge in multiple pastries.
Members of the Hispanic community relocate to the CSRA for various reasons and do not have access to the familiar staple food connected to their heritage, Westrom said. The Fresco Café offers traditional pastries, cakes and authentic Hispanic drinks, along with a friendly atmosphere. It has received a positive response since its opening Jan. 26.
The café celebrates their grand opening today. Although COVID-19 forced the bakery to downplay the celebration a bit, the event includes a raffle and a Facebook contest.
“From the time we open, from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., we will be having sales,” Westrom said.
The self-serve café is open 7-days-a-week and offers customers carry out or dine-in seating, catering and food truck service. The café is scheduled for service at area Columbia County schools and subdivisions this spring. Westrom expects to offer delivery service soon, she said. Events, contests and give-always are listed on their Facebook page. First responder and military discounts apply to all of its baked goods.
“We are also offering tamales right now,” Westrom said. “So, we have customers who come in and have a quick lunch and head out. “
More information about the bakery is available on its website, thefrescocafe.com
Shellie Smitley is a staff writer for The Augusta Press. Reach her at shellie@theaugustapress.com
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