Next generation in full swing!
We all remember the days when we ordered gourmet breads and pies for Thanksgiving and Christmas from Kangaroo Court. Su Wathey provided us with home-baked Zucchini, Banana and Cranberry breads, along with pies both Pumpkin and Pecan. When Kangaroo court changed hands in 2006 that tradition went away.
Ten years later, the good news is this Thanksgiving Su Wathey Breads and Pies are back; this time a new generation is taking charge. Much to the delight of Su, her youngest son, Kyle, is bringing back her baked goods. Kyle approached us and said, “He wants to take up where I left off, beginning with this Thanksgiving. He will offer all the breads and pies that I offered”
Kyle Wathey and his partner Jasmine Chacon moved to the island two months ago, and decided they want to get into Gourmet Baking. Kyle sounded the idea to parents Su and Norman, who encouraged him to go for it, especially the fact that Kyle wants as his foundation to use the “signature Su Wathey baking brand”.
Su cautioned Kyle that if he leverages her reputation that she must oversee, and assist in all baking matters and quality control rests with her. “Even though he’s my son, for both our sakes, we need to ensure that what he produces is expected of what I built. My objective has always been to provide a good-quality baked goods. I come from bakers on both sides of my parents. Growing up in Massachusetts was spent inside bakery shops. Now to see my youngest son and his partner starting a gourmet bakery is a real treat. Seems like Kyle has baking DNA. I’m excited because this Thanksgiving will be their launch. I’m ready to be there for Kyle and Jasmine, this time I get to help produce the breads and pies, but I don’t have to work as hard. Time for the new generation, “...no more 4:00am for me!”
Kyle is motivated to get going. He has been working closely with Su, taking her instructions. Weighing ingredients and taking tips from his mother, like only a mother would know. “I realize I have a lot to learn, but who better to learn it from than my Mom. It comes from the heart. She’s a natural and I hope to be like her someday. I assure you when I call it a ‘Su Wathey Zucchini Bread’ it must live up to my Mom’s standard, and it will.
The smell of my Mom’s baking at home for Thanksgiving and Christmas is something that is forever in me. My mom’s signature Zucchini bread has always been a Thanksgiving and Christmas tradition in our house, and she made it a tradition in other homes on the island, so now it’s up to me to make that happen again”. Kyle’s business model is to distribute his baked goods to Supermarkets and convenience stores on the island, and of course, lots special orders.
Right now his focus is to get Su Wathey’s pies and breads on Thanksgiving tables.
An exciting twist to Kyle’s baking venture is the contribution of his partner Jasmine Chacon. Jasmine is a California girl with Mexican heritage. Jasmine is new to island life, but will be an important part of the new venture, so much so, she will be introducing baked treats of her own culture. Jasmine is very much in tune with Mexico’s cuisine and baked goods. Jasmine plans on introducing Mexican style Pan Dulce. “When we were growing up, every Sunday morning my father brought home fresh Pan Dulce from the Panadaria; I can still taste them.”
Pan Dulce is enjoyed with milk coffee, or if you’re a real Mexican Champurrado, a traditional Mexican hot chocolate. Jasmine hopes to introduce Pan Dulce with custard, coconut or jelly. “What I’m really looking forward to are Conchas Pan Dulce; they a delight to see and taste. The name comes from the appearance of a conch shell”
Norman, Kyle’s dad, is very much included in this new venture. Norman said: “I had the arduous task of being Kyle’s taste tester. He would bake a Zucchini bread and ask me to taste it, and then asked, “Does it taste like Mum’s, after all, you been having Mum’s Zucchini bread for 30 years.” He made four different batches before I said yes. So he is ready, trust me”
Contact Kyle or Jaz at 527-1120, or place your orders through Su Wathey via Facebook Messenger.
