Berks County native Ashley Bennett has fond memories of cooking with her mother and grandmother as a child. “I always liked to bake,” she said.
Bennett, 23, put her baking dreams on hold for a number of years as she sorted out what she wanted to pursue as a career.
After switching between four different colleges and four different majors, she graduated this year from Southern New Hampshire University’s online option. “Nothing was fitting [for me] in college [or in] different jobs,” Bennett shared.
While Bennett also works at Mister Car Wash & Lube Center in Sinking Spring, she counts her mother Joy Bailey’s decision to open her own store (Uniquely Local in Kenhorst Plaza) as a main inspiration for finally taking her love of baking to a professional level.
“[My mom] was able to give lots of pointers with paperwork, [and] lots of advice,” said Bennett fondly. She also shared that many of her coworkers from Mister Car Wash have helped her through the process of opening her own store.
Located on East Wyomissing Avenue in Mohnton, The Jar Bar offers a variety of delicious cakes and breads, sold layered in glass jars. All jars are baked onsite and from scratch, a fact of which Bennett is very proud.
The Jar Bar officially opened to the public in early August, and Bennett is excited about how responsive the community has been about her products on social media.
The bakery is surrounded by a spacious parking lot, lush trees, and ponds, which makes it easy for Bennett to plan outdoor activities for the community while still maintaining social distancing guidelines.
The Jar Bar will be offering several events to the public this Fall. On September 19-20, Bennett will be hosting an event where visitors can eat their cake jars outdoors, play cornhole on a custom-made cornhole board, and spend some time fishing.
In addition, in October 1-4, Bennett will be releasing a new line of Fall flavors, and children can trick-or-treat for mini jar bars on Halloween. While the bakery does not offer indoor seating at this time, Bennett is hopeful to get some picnic tables outside soon.
Bennett is grateful to the community for the support shown to The Jar Bar already, and especially for her mother, grandmother, and coworkers/friends. “I wouldn’t have been able to do this without their support,” she said.
The Jar Bar is located at 360 E Wyomissing Ave, Mohnton, PA, 19540, and online at thejarbarbakery.com.
