Small Space Marks the End of a Long Search for 'Semi Sweet'
Pamela Rouse
Sharlena Fong stands in front of equipment from an old Chinese restaurant that was uncovered when construction began for Semi Sweet
DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — A small space on 6th Street marks the end of a long search for Historic Core residents Sharlena Fong and Dennis Hunter, who spent a year scouting potential sites before settling on the location between Main and Los Angeles as the home of their new bakery, Semi Sweet.
The two became business partners nearly a year ago and have been offering catered treats while searching for a retail home.
They plan to offer both savory and sweet bakery items. While the kitchen won't have the space necessary for baking hard breads like baguettes, Fong plans to offer savory meat pockets and buns, croissants, brioches, scones, danishes and a considerable list of cakes and sweet treats.
While the block already includes a bakery, Fong thinks their offering will complement Babycakes NYC across the street. "If anything, I think you can bring your gluten-free friend Downtown and you can get a croissant while they can go get a gluten-free 'toastie,'" she says. "I think we're catering to different crowds."
As pastry chef for the Nickel Diner, Fong played a key role in shaping the eatery's famed donuts and desserts. While those same items won't appear on her new menu, variations might include maple-bacon sticky buns, mini pop-tarts, or a triple chip cookie with chocolate, butterscotch and potato chips.
Build-out is currently underway, and the pair are hoping for a summer opening. The former gallery space, tucked between Pussy & Pooch and Las Perlas, offered up some surprises when work first got underway.
A mystery door on the other side of the gallery's bathroom uncovered the remnants of a former Chinese restaurant, with a large wok station and an ancient grease-splattered back-splash area and hood.
Fong credits Brady Westwater with first pointing her to the space. Tyler Murphy of the Robin Group negotiated the lease, which was finalized on January 1.
While plans may change before opening, the pair anticipate opening at 7:30am for breakfast, closing at 4pm and re-opening in the evening on Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 9pm to 3am to serve late-night snackers and bar-hoppers.
Semi Sweet Bakery / 105 E. 6th / Tentatively opening Summer 2011
Jim Winstead on March 07, 2011, at 06:25PM – #1
so excited about this. can't wait.
Dixon on March 07, 2011, at 07:35PM – #2
Will they be selling coffee too? Do they plan on having outdoor seating?
Pamela Rouse (@) on March 07, 2011, at 07:46PM – #3
Yes, Coffee and tea (both hot and iced) is expected to be on the menu.. Sharlena has plans for counter seating along the store front and a couple tables.
From what I understand she may have room for a couple small tables outside as well, but I think all of that is still in the planning stage.
FLEA on March 08, 2011, at 05:21PM – #4
Welcome to 6th Street. So happy your here. Let us know how we can help. FLEA
Accessory Loft on March 08, 2011, at 06:46PM – #5
Congrats and can't wait to try all of the tasty treats!!!
Dixon on March 08, 2011, at 11:03PM – #6
Dear Sharlena,
Coffee, tea and seating sound like a good bet here. Maybe you can capture some of the old Banquette vibe.
However, maple-bacon sticky buns, mini pop-tarts, and triple chip cookies with chocolate, butterscotch and potato chips sound like something an overweight, rural Iowa housewife might bake for her fat kids.
Hey, kids, do you want kool aid with that?
C'mon, Sharlena, haven't you noticed that many downtowners are getting a bit chubby from all the sweets around? What do you think made big man big? Do you really want to make things worse?
Sharlena, how about some organic multi-grain dinner rolls? Just squeeze the junk like cakes and cookies a little to the side and you'll have room. Plus, I promise to buy the rolls if they turn out good.
love, Coda 4jr
Dixon on March 08, 2011, at 11:31PM – #7
Hey, if Pete's wants a smoking war then bring it on. I plan to call a complaint in to the fire department whenever I spot someone smoking on Pete's patio. This goes into effect right NOW.
Jamie DeFrisco on March 09, 2011, at 10:30AM – #8
So excited to see this. I love the baked goods and desserts at Nickel.
El Guey on March 10, 2011, at 04:00PM – #9
Alright, Coda 4jr, knock it off with the trolling. Obviously, you have resentment regarding your one-time fat childhood, and possibly current obese adulthood. Time to put down the candy bars and pick up a treadmill.
Plus, we downtowners will embrace such a place that rewards us once in a while for actually getting off our backsides and getting active, as we should be. Or, maybe minimize the processed foods to the point of nonexistence. The French have a bakery every two blocks at minimum, and you don't see them running around like Texans at the state fair. Aside from smoking too much, Europeans limit the processed ingredients, and if SemiSweet goes the same route, the more the merrier, I say.
And! Babycakes is across the street. They're still rolling, and offer what you may want. I even go there, and I'm not vegan.
So you know where you can stuff your bashing, Coda 4jr... and wrap it in a buttery croissant while you're at it.
Dixon on March 12, 2011, at 05:42PM – #10
Well, I'll see how it turns out but if she puts it on a stick, dips it in batter and deep fat fries it, then I'm calling foul.