New Farmington Residents Launch Bakery

The McClary brothers may be too young to operate a stove, but they've already got a bakery named after them. 

Two-year-old twins Jack and Ben have their parents Jessica and Josh to thank for the honor. New to Farmington, McClary Bros. Bakehouse has a booth at the Farmington Farmers and Artisans Market and will be among the vendors at the Old Winery Winter Market. 

"We are looking at retail space," said Jessica McClary, who is a student in Oakland Community College Orchard Ridge's culinary program. "We're hoping to find something before next summer."

The couple has only lived in Michigan for a year. They started out in West Bloomfield, but found themselves drawn to the winter market and then took in all of the spring, summer and fall activities offered in downtown Farmington. 

The McClarys have already shown some community spirit, helping a market vendor with an over-supply of blemished pumpkins. They bought "a ton of them" and baked pumpkin into many of the items McClary Brothers Bakery offered at the market. 

"We want to try and use things from local growers," Jessica said. 

While she has been baking all her life, Jessica only recently started making her baked goods look beautiful. On Saturday, she displayed a cake decorated to look like a fluffy, white pooch and small cupcakes that resembled tiny turkeys, among other items.

While the McClarys have tried other kinds of businesses, Jessica said, she always found herself back in the kitchen. Josh, who worked a long time in the publishing industry, said Jessica's skills are constantly expanding.

"She is learning stuff at school and putting it right into practice," he said. 

Some culinary school friends are helping out as the business grows. Jessica said in addition to being at the markets, McClary Bros. Bakehouse does catering, dessert trays and custom cakes and cupcakes.

"This has all been very exciting," she said. "Everybody has been helpful with giving us feedback." 

When it comes time to move into a retail space, the McClarys say they are committed to finding space in Farmington.

"We love this little downtown," Jessica said. "It's so hard to find something like this ... We haven't lived in any place where people really care so much, and everyone seems to appreciate and understand that." 

Learn more about McClary Bros. Bakehouse on their website, www.mcclarybros.com, on Facebook or by calling 248-225-4436