**INITIAL REVIEW**…read more
This location is becoming known as the initial startup location for many bakeries, cakeries, and dessert shops. For me, I remember when Jackie's Bakery was here. Then it was occupied by the iconic The Sweet Heartist. Now, we have another bakery here, one that specializes in gluten-free baked goods, Willow's Gluten-Free Bakery.
To be fair, the offerings that Willow's Gluten-Free Bakery (which I will shorthand to simply Willow's for the remainder of the review) is kind of paultry compared to their predecessors, but I must stress that when you take into account everything is gluten-free, it is quite a lot.
As a matter of fact, I will even go as far to say that Willow's has it harder as baking gluten-free products is not an easy task, and you have to follow certain guidelines and rules if you want to really live up to he moniker of being "gluten-free."
Though an address is given, most Brevardians know of the locale that Willow's is at if they happen to be a huge supporter of indie businesses. It always gives me a giggle that the business is right next to an Asian massage parlor, but I guess for an initial location, it is a price most businesses can't refuse.
The location is still smallish and Willow's has to utilize what they have just like their predecessors. On the bakeshop floor, they have two display cases, a display table, and a pie case. There is no mention of the wares being gluten-free so it must be assumed that everything is gluten-free unless specially noted. To be fair, it would be hard to do both gluten and non-gluten wares in such a small space. The rule of thumb, from my knowledge as a baker working at Publix in the past, is that you can't use the kitchenware for regular baked goods with gluten-free wares and the kitchenware for gluten-free wares can only have gluten-free ingredients, ONLY! This prevents cross-contamination.
In short, if Willow's uses a heavy duty mixer and they do gluten and gluten-free wares, they'll need to have two mixers in their tight space so that they don't mix. Also, the possibility of cross-contamination is very high in such a small baking area, too.
What labels they do have are any extra added health details such as being free of nuts, soy, eggs, or being completely vegan. And the range is quite big for such desserts including donuts, cakes, pies, and cookies.
I, myself, came here because they have a "Cinnamon Roll Flight," which was fantastic. The price was fair and the buns were not too big, not too small. Like Baby Bear's porridge, bed, and chair, they are "just right."
And the taste? Exquisite. They tasted exactly like their flavors including pumpkin pie, maple bacon, regular, etc.
Ultimately, the only gripe I have is its weird location and the hours they have, plus te lack of selection near the end of their operating hours, which is more on me than them.
For now, I will give Willow's four out of five stars for their flavor, their excellent customer service, and the range of their gluten-free line.
If Willow's remains consistent for, let's say about four more visits, I'll grant them their fifth star for consistency.
