THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, December 4, 1994 TAG: 9412020284
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 13 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY MARLENE FORD, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Short : 48 lines
The Sugar Plum Bakery and Cafe, a business that trains and employs persons with disabilities, recently received a taste of national recognition - almost as sweet as the treats its produces.
The September issue of Modern Baking, an industry publication of professional bakers throughout the country, featured an article on the Laskin Road sweet shop in its retail baking section by contributing editor Barbara Topp. The seven-year history of the business, its mission, its successes plus a mouth-watering color photo layout of everything from jams to tortes to its famous custard filled, chocolate-topped Mozart cake.
``We were contacted by Modern Baking,'' Deborah Marshall, founder and executive director of the Sugar Plum, said. ``They heard about us through a network of distributors that come to us, and we were just delighted.''
The article noted the business' popularity. It regularly records two-digit sales increases with devotees of the delicious from North Carolina to Williamsburg. However, the focus was especially on the Sugar Plum's ability to combine baking with a concern for the community.
Begun by Marshall and her husband in 1987, the goal has been to train and give full-time employment to disabled persons. At any given time the bakery is staffed by 44 persons, 22 of whom have such disabilities as autism, Down syndrome, hearing and visual impairment, traumatic brain injury and cerebral palsy.
Included on the staff since the business was begun is Marshall's disabled daughter, Laura.
``The story has been wonderful. That's a real pat on the back for the staff and volunteers,'' Marshall said.
``We've gotten calls from around the country from readers. A hotel and food services business in Philadelphia was interested in exactly how to start this sort of business, and in Richmond the parent of someone with a disability came across the magazine, called and wanted to know more.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photo by MARLENE FORD
Ruth Lewis, a volunteer at Sugar Plum Bakery and Cafe, helps her
great-granddaughter, Rachel Marshall, with gingerbread house
decorating.
by CNB