Canadian baker Gina Kohler moved to Virginia Beach in 1999. She noticed the little house-style bakery building on Laskin Road with a Help Wanted sign and quickly applied. That was 24 years ago, and today she is still going strong as one of Sugar Plum’s longtime decorators. At 6 a.m., Gina shows up to start organizing which cakes need decorating for orders or the retail case.
If you you stop by the Safeway bakery in a chic Georgetown neighborhood, you’ll probably be helped by a bubbly, blue-eyed woman named Tiffany Giuliani. Like most customers at the store—considered a local hangout—you’ll probably be impressed with her professionalism, product knowledge and friendly approach.
I’m pleased to announce that the Retail Alliance has named Sugar Plum its Restaurant of the Year. The award was presented at a special ceremony May 19, held at the American Theatre in Phoebus. “Sugar Plum runs a really good shop,” says Retail Alliance CEO Ray Mattes. “The selection is broad, the customer service is exceptional, and they have a good brand and a good model.”
What does your business do to support Sugar Plum? We maintain the grounds at the bakery, and donate 50% of our services. HLD Landscaping is a full-service landscaping company, so we take care of the mowing, beds and planters, as well as the irrigation system. We come out once a week to mow and then about every four weeks to do fine gardening.
The word is out. For couples who seek an exquisite wedding cake and also want to support a great cause, Sugar Plum is the perfect match. Stepping up the bakery’s wedding business by remodeling its cake consultation room in 2014, Sugar Plum now meets with about 25 couples per month. Most Saturdays are booked solid, with consultations available from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., on the hour. And every couple is greeted by the same smiling face—
Naomi waits patiently for the paratransit bus to arrive at her Virginia Beach home. She boards just before noon, mingles with fellow riders and offloads at Sugar Plum Bakery on Laskin Road. She then bounds through the automatic double doors braced with her infectious smile and usual eagerness to begin housekeeping duties. This is Naomi’s daily work routine and has been since she graduated from Princess Anne High School nearly 11 years ago.
