New bakery in the works on East Fifth Street in Dayton

A new bakery and coffee house to be called St. Anne the Tart is in the works at 1509 E. Fifth St. in Dayton.

The bakery’s founder, Megan Smith, told this news outlet today that the new business is in its early stages, and still must obtain city permits and other regulatory approvals. But if all goes well, St. Anne the Tart could open by the end of May.

A native of Columbus, Smith operated a bakery in Lexington, Ky. prior to moving to Dayton two years ago. She said the historic-district neighborhood just east of downtown Dayton made the East Fifth Street location attractive.

“I love that area. I think St. Anne’s Hill is magical, and I want to be on the ground floor of all the good things that are happening there,” Smith said.

The bakery will feature a breakfast menu and a lunch menu, and will be open until late afternoon, and available for special events in the evenings, Smith said. Pastries inspired from her travels to other continents will be featured. The menu will focus on “comfort baked goods,” Smith said, but will include healthy options as well.

An application for the 1,567-square-foot, two-story structure that would hold the bakery will be considered next week by Dayton’s Landmarks Commission, which oversees modifications to structures in historic districts.

If the project obtains the necessary approvals and permits, construction could begin as early as February, Smith said.

Smith also has purchased the neighboring property at 1511 E. Fifth St. but said she has not yet formulated plans for that space.

For more information or to monitor the bakery's progress, go to stannethetart.com or check out the St. Anne the Tart Facebook page.

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