First Posted: 2/21/2014
Formerly Sweet Temptations Bake Shop, new bakery, The Mad Batter LLC, is a locally-owned bakery catering to Clarks Summit’s sweet tooth. Owner and Clarks Summit native, Kate Miller, is new to her current South State St. location, but not to the baking business.
Miller’s love of baking began at a young age and was inspired by her mother and grandmother. For nearly half of Miller’s life it’s been her dream to own her own bakery.Her business began at home as Sweet Temptations Bake Shop which sold Welsh cookies at different businesses throughout the area. The venture evolved into her very own bakery.
Baking and cooking could be called a family tradition for Miller, as she fondly remembers making homemade pastas and baked goods with her grandmother, mother, and daughter in recent years.
“It was really cool to have four generations making homemade foods together,” Miller said.
Miller’s grandmother worked in a bakery in her early adulthood and always shared stories about her experiences. Beyond her family’s influence, Miller attributes her interest and success from cake decorating classes and “watching a lot of the Food Network.”
“It’s fun to come up with exciting new cupcakes, or create new desserts,” Miller said. “Whether it’s a family recipe or one from a cook book, just pick a recipe and see what you can do with it.”
Business Name: The Mad Batter LLC
Location: 400 S. State St., Rear Entrance, Clarks Summit
Phone Number: 570-840-9866
Owner: Kate Miller
Opened: February 11, 2014
Specialty: Cinnamon rolls, stuffed cronuts (glazed croissants), and Welsh cookies
Something you should know: “A local person trying to provide a little bakery of fresh treats to the people of this town.”
Balance Meditation/Inner Peace Studios
Location: 400 South State St., Clarks Summit
Phone Number: 570-575-9426
Owners: Jennifer O’Neil, Tina Young
Opened: Soft opening Feb. 1; grand opening Feb. 15-16
Specialty: Guided meditation classes and energy services such as reiki, reflexology, ear candling, and aromatherapy.
What you should know: “Our mission is to help people on their journey of self-love, inner peace and happiness. My goal is for everyone who visits to leave happier than when they came in,” O’Neil said.
Brady & Cavany ACE Hardware
Location: Hunter Highway, Tunkhannock, 18657 (the old Walmart building)
Phone Number: 570-836-5486
Owner: Mallia Evans
Opened: Soft opening Feb. 11, Grand Opening April 25-27
Specialty: A combination of hardware, sporting goods and clothing.
What you should know: “We’re a locally owned business and our community has always been very supportive and we know they’ll continue to be supportive as we grow.”
Heidi’s Retreat Salon and Spa
Location: 1591 Heart Lake Rd., Scott Township, PA 18433. (Intersection of 247 and 107 between Interstate 81 and the Casey Highway)
Phone number: 570-335-4599
Owner: Heidi Fofi
Opening: Grand re-opening March 1.
Specialty: Skin care including micro derma abrasion, specialty facials, dimensional hair color, extensions, massages including hot stone, bamboo, deep tissue, Swedish, pre natal, sports, oncology, reflexology, geriatric, reiki, golf ball, energy session, and aromatherapy.
What you should know: Heidi opened retreat about three years ago, but has added 500 sq. ft. and a full-service spa to her location. “My goal is to provide quality, full service salon amenities to those in and around Scott Township as well as clients from the Clarks Summit or Scranton area.”
Maiolatesi Wine Cellars
Location: Carbernet Dr., Scott Township
Phone Number: 570-254-9977
Owner: Sal Maiolatesi
Opened: 2008; new event room opening in March
Specialty: Homemade fruit-sweetened and dry wines.
What you should know: The Scott Township location opened in 2008, but held its grand opening in July of 2009. A new event room, which is attached to the winery tasting room, will be opened in March and will allow the winery to host weddings, corporate parties and other private events.