Interview: Seven Stars Bakery
July 25, 2014
I was recently asked by Taste Trekkers to write about my favourite bakeries in Providence. I found out so much chatting to the pastry makers on my list that I wanted to share these extra goodies with you on my blog!
I was very lucky to have the chance to catch up with one half of the Seven Stars husband and wife team, Lynn Williams.
1) What prompted you to open Seven Stars?
When I was 19, I took a job in a great little bakery in Pasadena, CA. It was eye opening, I had never thought of going into that line of work. It was there that I decided I'd open my own place one day. After 10 more years of experience working for others and meeting Jim [Williams, Lynn's husband] along the way who was doing the same (and a much better baker than I), we did it: opened Seven Stars.
2) What was it about the East Side, Hope Street location that made you choose it for the original home of Seven Stars?
I was new to Providence and spent countless hours driving the city and talking to people. I realized the East Side was where I wanted to be. One day I was driving down Hope St with my dad and saw the gas station that would become our first shop. It was a mess and I declared it perfect! My dad thought I was nuts and we kept driving. I had a great feeling about the neighborhood and that spot in particular. After looking at a bunch of other places, I kept coming back to Al's Citco. The rest is history. I was right about the neighborhood.
3) Where does your inspiration for flavours come from?
We are pretty traditional in our style. We take inspiration from people we've worked for, places we've been, things we've read. We don't tend to do crazy, outrageous things...we like classics done well.
4) What is your favourite menu item?
Probably the Country Bread and the Almond Croissant. I try not to eat too many Almond Croissants, but when I do, I really enjoy them!
5) What is your favourite Providence bakery (aside from yourself of course!)
It's hard to pick one. I like them all for different reasons. I love Pastiche for their quality, consistency and the fact that they have managed to stay small and in control. There are more opening all the time which I find exciting.
Seven Stars Bakery
342 Broadway, Providence, RI 02909When I was 19, I took a job in a great little bakery in Pasadena, CA. It was eye opening, I had never thought of going into that line of work. It was there that I decided I'd open my own place one day. After 10 more years of experience working for others and meeting Jim [Williams, Lynn's husband] along the way who was doing the same (and a much better baker than I), we did it: opened Seven Stars.
2) What was it about the East Side, Hope Street location that made you choose it for the original home of Seven Stars?
I was new to Providence and spent countless hours driving the city and talking to people. I realized the East Side was where I wanted to be. One day I was driving down Hope St with my dad and saw the gas station that would become our first shop. It was a mess and I declared it perfect! My dad thought I was nuts and we kept driving. I had a great feeling about the neighborhood and that spot in particular. After looking at a bunch of other places, I kept coming back to Al's Citco. The rest is history. I was right about the neighborhood.
3) Where does your inspiration for flavours come from?
We are pretty traditional in our style. We take inspiration from people we've worked for, places we've been, things we've read. We don't tend to do crazy, outrageous things...we like classics done well.
4) What is your favourite menu item?
Probably the Country Bread and the Almond Croissant. I try not to eat too many Almond Croissants, but when I do, I really enjoy them!
5) What is your favourite Providence bakery (aside from yourself of course!)
It's hard to pick one. I like them all for different reasons. I love Pastiche for their quality, consistency and the fact that they have managed to stay small and in control. There are more opening all the time which I find exciting.
Seven Stars Bakery
820 Hope St, Providence, RI 02906
Rumford Center, 20 Newman Avenue, East Providence RI 02916
(401) 521-2200
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