New Castro Valley bakery is something sweet

A new bakery has opened up in Castro Valley. Karin Johnson Specialty Cakes and Pastries, which opened two months ago, has taken over the area previously occupied by Tom and Tina’s Deli in

the Lucky’s supermarket area.

When asked about the store’s success, Johnson replied, “Good! We’ve been at the farmer’s market for nine years, so it’s nice to have a store. We’re getting busier.”

The bakery sells delicious treats like cinnamon buns, brown-sugar shortbreads, brownies, cookies, cakes, and other baked goods. In addition to the delicious pastries, what’s even sweeter is the price. For less than $5 you are able to buy four brown-sugar shortbreads and a cinnamon bun.

“We have a lot of everything. If it doesn’t sell a lot, I don’t make it. Currently we are making cobblers with peaches and berries; we change things by the season,” remarked Johnson while talking about the bakery’s products.

The bakery also has vegan options, and sells coffee and water to accompany the sweets. The only downside to the bakery is that it is very small, so there isn’t a sitting area inside and there are only two chairs outside.

Despite her bakery’s success, Johnson still sells her pastries at the weekly local farmer’s market. Johnson also buys ingredients locally.

“We buy all of our produce: fruits, vegetables, and nuts from the farmer’s market,” added Johnson.

Johnson’s bakery is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.