The next time you’re searching for something to satisfy your sweet tooth or a luscious creation to top off a special celebration, don’t settle for a cookie-cutter solution. Sugar is Sault’s “Premier Cake Shop”, serving up an ever-changing collection of unique cakes, cupcakes, cookies, sweet tins and more.
Sugar is new to downtown Sault Ste. Marie, offering customers the opportunity to browse the retail space for scrumptious treats, relax with friends over a latte, or even watch as the Sugar team puts their special touches on every sweet creation.
For Jeannette Orazietti, who owns the bakery along with her husband Anthony, Sugar is a labour of love that perfectly blends two distinct talents: a career in Graphic Design, and a passion for baking.
“I wasn't one of those kids who enjoyed baking from an early age,” explains the Soo native. “That part came after I got married.”
Orazietti already had a background in design and the bakery business was, as they say, the icing on the cake. Jeannette's Custom Cakes first opened in 2010, operating from in-home commercial kitchens that progressed and grew along with her client list until late 2022.
“We moved houses, renovated twice and even moved a private pick up space into our garage to accommodate all of my wonderful clients. Then the time came for us to move out of the house, and here we are. Merging my two businesses into one location has been the best decision we ever made.”
Aside from its unique menu offerings, what sets Sugar apart from traditional bakeries is their open kitchen concept.
“We installed the ‘fishbowl’ (a glass wall) into the space, so when you walk in you can see me working away on my custom orders for JCC (Jeannette’s Custom Cakes)”, says Orazietti. Allowing customers the opportunity to watch their custom orders being made has proved extremely popular. “Being able to see the cakes and cookies, real and in person, is so much different than looking at them behind a screen and I am more than happy to show off what we can do.”
And what they do is something truly delicious. Sugar’s menu of sweet treats incorporates classic favourites like Vanilla Sprinkle and Red Velvet, while delighting customers with unique flavours like Orange Creamsicle, Bubblegum and Banana Split.
“More than anything, we are trying to break the idea of what a bakery needs to be...and see what it can be instead,” Jeannette explains. “We constantly have our popular flavours like Salted Caramel, Chocolate Explosion and Happy Birthday, but love to throw a few odd flavours in here and there when we can. You've got to be able to have some fun with it.”
Sugar welcomes customers to visit the shop Wednesday to Friday from noon until 6pm, Saturdays 10am to 2pm. Customers can stop in to view the selection of designs in the shop, or browse the online gallery.
“We love being able to help our clients celebrate their events with cake that not only looks beautiful but tastes delicious as well. We have an online ordering system where clients can place their order for any of our cakes or cupcakes and pick them up in store on their decided date. We also offer in store purchases for anyone who wants a treat or needs something last minute.”
Sugar is located at 765 Queen Street in front of the Superior Health Centre right across from Precious Blood Cathedral. Customers may enter off of Queen Street, or use the accessible entrance from the back parking lot.