The Goodie Shoppe To Open On Main Street In Bel Air

BEL AIR, MD — A new shop featuring sweet treats is opening on Main Street in Bel Air. It will sell cookies, coffee, cakes, cupcakes, soft serve and other items.

The Goodie Shoppe plans to open Monday, Aug. 5, according to owner Pam Rohde.

Popular response to the cookies and cupcakes that Rohde has baked for friends over the past 15 years led her to pursue the storefront, she said.

"Everyone has always told me I should open a bakery," Rohde said.

She was working as an accounting office manager and never thought it would happen. But when she saw that La Cakerie had closed on Main Street, she said her husband told her to at least make a phone call.

"After a lot of encouragement from him and other loved ones, I made the leap. So now here I am!" said Rohde, a self-taught baker who has lived in Bel Air since she was eight years old.

Her baking took off while watching Ace of Cakes on the Food Network. She googled the recipe for fondant and made her first cake.

"I’ve certainly come a long way since then," said Rohde. "Honestly, the look on people’s faces when they see the cakes is absolutely priceless!"

Her shop will sell cakes, cupcakes, cookies, soft serve and Zeke's coffee, sweet tea and "goodies" such as Rice Krispies treats and chocolate-covered items.

"Growing up, my family always had a goodie drawer," Rohde said. "Then when I grew up it became a 'goodie basket,' which is what I informally called myself before getting the shop. So it just seemed natural to stick with that name."

Rohde lived in a town just outside Philadelphia until she was eight, when her family moved to Bel Air. Now she lives in Bel Air with her husband and two boys, ages 2 and 6.

"Yes, I’m an Eagles fan!" Rohde said. "But my husband is a hard core Ravens fan, so I’m supportive!"

The Goodie Shoppe plans to open Aug. 5, contingent on any pending approvals. It is located at 22 South Main Street in Bel Air.