A 100-year-old family business is getting a fresh start in Jamestown.
Sean Jones, Jones 212 Bakery and Cafe owner, opened the doors for the first time to his new business on Nov. 18, but is carrying on a family tradition that started during the early 1900s. Jones great-grandfather, Frank Sr., more than 100 years ago opened his first bakery on the corner of Third and Washington streets, called Jones & Ahlquest Bakery.
Within two years, Jones bought out his business partner and started Tasty Baking by Jones in 1909.
During the next 100 years, the bakery moved to Market Street in Brooklyn Square until there was a mishap in 1973 when the business moved to Pine Street, operating until about five years ago, when the business closed down.
However, now Jones is making a fresh start carrying on the family tradition right across the street from where he knew the bakery to be during his childhood, which served almost asa home away from home.
''It's full circle. It was the only bakery I knew and it was right across the street,'' he said. ''Literally, I was taken home from the hospital to the bakery as a baby. When I saw this building was empty, I knew it was the right spot.''
Jones said restarting the family business is a phenomenal feeling, an opportunity he is glad to be able to do for himself and his 2-year-old son, Cyrus.
''I kept thinking he would never experience what was such a major part of my life, my father's life (Kimball), my grandfather's life (Richard) and my great-grandfather's life,'' he said. ''Knowing he would be missing out on the same experiences drove me to do this.''
Jones said food in general is a major passion in his life, having worked in the family bakery since he was 12 years old and then being a chef in area restaurants like Forte, the Surf Club and the Town Club.
Jones said it's a dream come true to be able to open his own business.
''I've always wanted my own place and why just have a restaurant, why not continue a family legacy at the same time,'' he said. ''I opened to pay homage to my family. A lot of blood, sweat and tears went into making this business last by my aunts, uncles, cousins, father, grandfather and my great-grandfather.''
To celebrate the family's long history of baking in Jamestown, a grand opening celebration will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday with Mayor Sam Teresi presenting a proclamation to the family for its legacy, Jones said.
''It's a big deal for my family,'' he said. ''Getting back to what we started out as, a neighborhood bakery.''
Jones said the best part of owning his own cafe is the freedom.
''I'm able to do what I want to do. Creating a menu, recipes,'' he said. ''I hope people will stay patient with me, it's a process. I'll be testing new things out and trying new things. The menu will always be changing.''
The bakery is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
