Advertise on podcast: Kitchen Notes: A Podcast by Bakery Business Academy

Episode Description: In today’s episode, I’m sitting down with someone very near and dear to my heart — Amy Gorski, owner of Poppy Bakery in Milwaukee, WI, and a former kitchen manager and head baker at Spilt Milk. Amy has had one of the most intentional, inspiring, hard-won journeys to bakery ownership I’ve ever seen, and in this conversation she opens up about the decisions, discipline, and deep commitment to quality that have shaped her business. From her years of working in some of the Midwest’s most respected kitchens, to her methodical plan for gaining the skills she needed, to the realities of farmers’ market life, to launching Poppy Bakery and earning Best Bakery in Milwaukee within months — Amy shares it all. This is an episode full of honesty, heart, and so many takeaways for any baker dreaming of their next step. Key Takeaways: The mindset shift that allowed Amy to confidently move from “someday” to opening her own bakeryWhy she chose not to pursue wholesale — and how that decision transformed the consistency, quality, and guest experience at PoppyHow 14 years of working for other chefs became her greatest asset (and why she believes young bakers should avoid management too early)The surprising tough-love realities of farmers’ market life — and how those long, grueling weekends prepared her for brick-and-mortar successWhat helped Poppy Bakery grow a loyal community fast and earn city-wide recognition within months of opening Resources + Links: Poppy Bakery - Check out Milwaukee’s best new bakery!Follow Amy on InstagramGot a question you'd like me to answer on the podcast? Email me! [email protected] Bakery Business Academy's website for more information about our courses, programs, and private coaching with MegJoin our Bakery Owners Facebook Group to connect with fellow bakers and continue the conversation

If your bakery is feeling the post-holiday sales slump right now—you’re not alone. In this episode of Kitchen Notes, Meg walks through a calm, strategic 5-step plan to help you assess the dip, figure out where it's coming from, and create a realistic game plan to recover revenue without panic or burnout. Whether January is slow for you, or your dip hits in July or October, this episode will give you a framework you can return to any time the numbers feel off. Key Takeaways: Why seasonal dips are normal (and even predictable) in bakery businesses—and how to plan for themThe first number you must know before you can rebound from a sales dipHow to analyze which parts of your business are underperforming so you can stop guessingCreative, low-effort promo ideas that can help you quickly fill the revenue gapThe one action step that most bakery owners skip when they’re feeling stressed or discouraged—but that can make or break your momentumResources + Links: Bakery Finance Essentials – our self-paced online e-course course designed for bakery owners who want to get more confident with their numbersGot a question you'd like me to answer on the podcast? Email me! [email protected] our Bakery Owners Facebook Group to connect with fellow bakers and continue the conversation ****************************** Did you enjoy this episode? If so, I’d be very grateful if you'd leave a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Have a question or topic you want covered on a future episode? Send me a message—I love hearing from you!

Episode Description: In today’s episode, we’re answering a listener question that came up during one of our recent live workshops — and it’s one I hears all the time: What’s your top cost-saving tip for bakery owners? If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to make your bakery more profitable, this episode is for you. I'm shares the real, often overlooked secret to improving your margins — and it’s not about cutting labor, finding cheaper ingredients, or slashing your rent! Whether you’re just getting your bakery off the ground or you’ve been in business for years, I hope this simple & powerful reminder helps improve the way you manage your bakery’s finances this year and beyond. Key Takeaways: Why profitability isn't about one magic fix — and what it is about insteadThe slow, sneaky “leaks” that drain your profits (and how to catch them early)A simple routine that can help you make better, faster, and easier financial decisionsHow staying close to your numbers reduces stress and increases confidenceMy practical recommendation for checking in on your finances — even if you “hate numbers” Resources Mentioned: Bakery Finance Essentials – our self-paced online e-course course designed for bakery owners who want to get more confident with their numbers🗣️ Got a question you'd like me to answer on the podcast? Email me! [email protected]

Episode Description: It’s that quiet, cozy week between the holidays and the New Year—a natural time to pause and reflect. In this episode, let's walk through a gentle (non-hustle-y!) approach to year-end reflection and business planning. Instead of racing into 2026 at full speed, I invites you to slow down, look back with honesty, and begin the new year with grounded clarity about what’s working—and what’s not. Whether 2025 was your best year ever or a bit of a blur, this episode offers a calmer, step-by-step framework to assess your numbers, your energy, and your goals—so you can move into the new year with confidence and intention. Key Takeaways: Rushing into New Year planning can backfire—here's what to do insteadThe three simple numbers to look at before setting any 2026 goalsWhy “how the year felt” is just as important as analyzing your profit margins!A practical framework to reflect on 2025 without the overwhelmAvoiding “hope and pray” planning in 2026Resources + Links: ➡️ Register for the Free 2026 Planning Workshop on January 12th ➡️ Join our Bakery Owners Facebook Group to connect with fellow bakers and continue the conversation

Episode Show Notes: This week on Kitchen Notes, we’re doing something a little different — and very exciting. For the first time in years, we’re bringing our biggest sale of the year back to Black Friday Week… and today, you’re getting a behind-the-scenes preview of everything coming your way. After selling our bakery this fall, I’ve finally had the headspace to revamp, rebuild, and expand many of the tools, templates, and programs inside Bakery Business Academy. And next week, we’re rolling out a curated lineup of offers designed to help you: ✨ streamline your production ✨ understand your numbers ✨ start a bakery with clarity ✨ price for profit ✨ build stronger systems ✨ and make 2026 your most profitable, organized, sustainable bakery year yet In this episode, I walk you through how the 5 Days of Deals will work, what you can expect each day, and how to plan your week so you don’t miss the offers that support your goals. Whether you’re dreaming of opening a bakery, knee-deep in production chaos, or ready to level-up your systems and profitability — there’s something coming for you. On this week’s episode, we’re talking… What “5 Days of Deals” looks like and how to plan for itThe types of problems each daily offer is designed to solveWhat to expect in terms of pricing, timing, and availabilityWhy some offers are extremely limited (👋 maternity leave!)How to decide which deal is right for your goals, stage of business, and budgetMORE INFO: Our Black Friday Week sale starts: 🗓 Monday, Nov 24 – Friday, Nov 28 ⏰ New deal goes LIVE each morning at 6:00am CST ⏳ Each offer is available THAT DAY ONLY from 6am-midnight! 💸 Biggest discounts of the year 🎯 Tools + trainings designed for bakery owners at all stages None of the purchase links activate until the morning of each deal — but you can preview the entire week right now! 👉 Preview the full Black Friday catalog and daily schedule here: https://www.bakerybusinessacademy.com/black-friday-2025 Not sure which offer fits your goals? If you’re torn between two programs or want help choosing based on your stage of business, send me an email! I’m happy to help you pick the best fit. ****************************** Did you enjoy this episode? If so, I’d be very grateful if you'd leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Have a question or topic you want covered on a future episode? Send me a message—I love hearing from you!

Episode Show Notes: In this follow-up episode, Molly and I are back to talk about what happened after we sold Spilt Milk. From the nitty-gritty of the transition process to the emotional side of letting go—we’re walking you through what it really looks like to step away from a business & successfully transition it to new ownership. We also share what’s next for both of us, and what the future holds for Bakery Business Academy. Spoiler: we're not going anywhere! In fact, we’re just getting started. Key Takeaways: What a business transition period actually looks like (and how it’s nothing like selling a house)How we structured our handoff and training plan with the new ownerWhat tools, checklists, and systems helped make the transition smootherThe emotional side of letting go (and how to stay grounded through it)What’s next for both of us—and for Bakery Business AcademyIf you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to sell a bakery—or maybe thought about selling yours someday—this one’s for you! Resources Mentioned: Scribe is the tool we use for creating step-by-step PDF guidessFollow Molly’s next chapter (and new fitness & wellness biz!) → Whole Her FitnessLooking for personalized, 1-on-1 support launching & scaling your bakery business? Read more about private coaching on the Bakery Business Academy website, ➡️ Linked HereHave other questions we can answer about the business sale? Email us: [email protected]****************************** Did you enjoy this episode? If so, I’d be very grateful if you'd leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Have a question or topic you want covered on a future episode? Send me a message—I love hearing from you!

Episode Description: Big news—after more than a decade running Spilt Milk, we’ve sold the bakery. In this special two-part series, I’m joined by my sister and co-founder Molly to talk about the journey that led us to this huge decision. This first part dives into the why behind our decision, how the idea came about, and what the early steps looked like. If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to sell a business—or if you’ve thought about your own “what’s next?”—you’ll want to listen in. Key Takeaways: Why we decided to sell Spilt Milk—even after our most profitable year everWhat personal and professional shifts made this the right timeHow we got from “maybe someday” to “let’s do it”What we looked for in a buyer (and why it felt so personal)The mindset shifts that came with such a major transitionWe’re breaking this story into two episodes, so be sure to tune in to Part 2 for more details about the business sale - including how we transitioned the business to the new owners, and what's next for Bakery Business Academy! Resources Mentioned Our amazing bookkeeper, Daliah Fritz, recorded an episode with us on Kitchen Notes! Be sure to listen in for more tips from Daliah about how to manage your business finances ➡️ Listen HereLooking for personalized, 1-on-1 support launching & scaling your bakery business? Read more about private coaching on the Bakery Business Academy website, ➡️ Linked Here

The holidays are coming (fast), and your Q4 revenue goals won’t hit themselves. So let me ask you this:  👉 Have you actually started planning? 👉 Or are you telling yourself you'll figure it out "next week"? This week on Kitchen Notes, I’m breaking down the 6 core things every bakery needs to think through before the holiday season hits.  We’re talking: ✅ The 6 critical areas of holiday planning that every bakery should be thinking about ✅ Why simplifying your holiday menu will make you more money ✅ How to avoid the classic production and inventory headaches ✅ Why your cash flow plan and labor schedule must go hand in hand ✅ What happens when you don’t plan—and how to avoid burnout ✅ Why your packaging, promotions, and contingency plan deserve more attention now (not later) 🔗 Resources Mentioned: 🎯 Register for Holiday Planning Bootcamp (Live Workshop on Sept 29)

The holiday season may still feel far away, but if you run a bakery, now is the time to get your game plan in place. In this episode, Meg is giving you a friendly (but firm!) reality check and helping you kickstart your holiday planning before it's too late. Whether you’re a seasoned bakery owner or heading into your very first holiday season this episode is packed with practical strategies, hard-won lessons, and behind-the-scenes insights that will help you turn the busiest time of year into your most profitable — and least chaotic — season yet. On today's episode, you'll hear: ✅ Why Q4 is the Super Bowl for bakeries — and what happens when you don’t plan ahead ✅ The costly mistake we used to make every year (and the mindset shift that changed everything) ✅ How a streamlined menu can actually boost your sales and your sanity ✅ Real revenue numbers from our bakery’s holiday seasons (yes, we share actual stats!) ✅ What to start planning now — including same-day sales, staffing, gift cards, corporate orders, and more  ✅ How to stop scrambling and build a repeatable, profitable sales system for every holiday If you've ever ended a holiday season thinking “never again,” this episode will help you rewrite that story — and create a sales strategy that works year-round. 🔗 Links & Resources: 🎓 Register for Holiday Planning Bootcamp  — Our most popular live workshop of the year! Learn the system we use to generate multiple 6-figures in Q4 sales without burning out.  Registration opens September 15th ... get on the waitlist or sign up here > https://bakerybusinessacademy.com/holiday

Starting or running a bakery can be thrilling—but it’s also easy to get lost in the daily grind and miss some of the big-picture moves that set you up for success. In this episode, I’m looking back at my own journey and sharing the 9 lessons learned & things I would do differently if I were starting my bakery today. We're talking about three phases of business growth—Getting Started Right, Laying a Strong Foundation, and Creating Sustainability—so you can take what’s most relevant to where you are now and put it into action. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why testing your concept before opening your doors can save you money (and stress)How building a local network early can lead to bigger opportunitiesAnother love letter to email marketing - and how it can transform your businessesWhy setting your weekly revenue goals from Day 1 is a game-changerHow protecting yourself as the owner is just as important as protecting the business🎧 Grab a notebook or take me along on your next walk—we’re diving deep into the lessons I learned the hard way so you don’t have to. 🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode 📊 Bakery Finance Essentials – Our signature ecourse for bakery owners & managers who want to build profitable bakery businesses with less stress & overwhelm📧 Email Marketing Masterclass – Join the waitlist for our September workshop!📈 KPI Tracking Episode – Listen to my episode on tracking your bakery’s key performance indicators📚 The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande – A must-read on why processes matter👩‍🍳 Private Coaching with Meg – Work 1:1 to create a bakery growth plan tailored to you

Episode Description: It’s easy to look at the bakeries with long lines and viral reels and wonder if you're falling behind. But here’s the truth: slow, steady, consistent growth is the real magic in most bakery businesses. In this episode, I’m diving into the unglamorous (but wildly effective) habits that actually move the needle—and why you don’t need to chase every trend or constantly reinvent the wheel to build a business that lasts. In this episode, we’re covering: The story of a new Chicago bakery that's buzzing—and what we can really learn from their successWhy comparison is normal—but can be toxicWhat consistent, unsexy habits actually lead to bakery growthThe importance of sticking with what’s already working (instead of always launching something new)A simple fitness metaphor that will change the way you think about tracking progress in your bakeryPractical ways to start seeing the real results hiding in your weekly numbersWhether you’re in a slow season, questioning your growth, or feeling tempted to blow everything up and start over—this episode is your reminder that the quiet work counts.Resources Mentioned: 📊 Break Even Number Episode🔁 Leading Indicators Episode💌 Join Our Private Facebook Group****************************** Did you enjoy this episode? If so, I’d be very grateful if you'd leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Have a question or topic you want covered on a future episode? Send me a message—I love hearing from you!

Slow sales week? We’ve all been there!  In this episode, Meg shares the story of how one simple email helped sell out an entire weekend’s worth of pies—in under an hour. If you’ve been pouring time into social media with little to show for it, this episode will get your wheels turning on a marketing strategy that’s simple, repeatable, and actually works. Whether you’re brand new to email or just need a nudge to use it more consistently, this one’s for you! 📝 Show Notes + Takeaways: In this episode of Kitchen Notes, we cover: What happened when we needed a quick sales boost (and had just 15 minutes to spare)Why email marketing outperforms social media by a mileThe low-lift marketing mindset that guides how we operateThe tools and systems we use to make email marketing easy and effectiveHow to start building your email list this week—without overwhelm or perfection👀 Spoiler: If you’ve been spinning your wheels on Instagram, this episode might change your marketing game completely. 📌 Resources & Links Mentioned: 💌 Join the waitlist for our upcoming Email Marketing Mini Program💬 Email Meg to Inquire About 1:1 Coaching: [email protected] 📱 Chat with other bakery owners in our free Facebook Group: 

Episode Description: Thank you to Margaret for submitting a question for this week's episode! In today’s episode, Meg tackles one of the biggest (and scariest) growth decisions bakery owners face—how do you know when it’s time to hire? If you’ve ever found yourself stretched thin but nervous to bring on staff before the revenue follows, this episode is for you. Key Takeaways: How to spot the signs that you're outgrowing your current role—and what that means for your business.Why it's sometimes normal to take a short-term financial hit when you're scaling—but how to do it wisely.How your break-even number can be your best friend when making hiring decisions.Simple ways to start systematizing your bakery now, so you're not scrambling when you do hire.Real talk from Meg and Molly’s own hiring journey—including what worked, what didn’t, and what they learned the hard way.Resources Mentioned: 🎧 Break-Even Number Episode – Learn how to calculate your break-even point and use it to guide smart financial decisions.📓 Tech Stack Episode – Learn about tools that help scale your business and support your team.📝 Delegating To Your Team Episode - Setting up your new employees for success & getting comfortable delegating important tasks as a small business owner📘 Bakery Finance Essentials Course – Our flagship program to help you run a financially strong bakery (includes hiring calculators and templates).Join the Conversation: Got a question you’d like Meg to answer on the show? Send it in or join our free Facebook group to connect with other bakery owners and get support.

We're halfway through 2025—and wow, what a year it's been! In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on the trends and patterns I'm noticing in the baking industry. From price sensitivity to labor market challenges, catering wins to AI tools—we're covering what's shifting and, more importantly, what’s actually working right now. Whether you're "feeling the pressure" or simply want to stay ahead of the curve, this one’s for you! 🔑 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why customer price sensitivity is rising—and how to adapt without racing to the bottomWhat’s helping us navigate high turnover, especially in entry-level rolesHow catering is boosting revenue (it’s easier than you think to get started)Creative ways to bring people into your shop through events and promosThe power of holiday planning and systemizationQuick-hit trends in subscriptions, co-packed goods, and low-lift, bakery-friendly AI tools📌 Resources & Mentions: Learn More about Bakery Business AcademyEpisode: Prepping For The Holidays: The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year!Episode: How Chickadee Bakeshop Built A Sustainable & Profitable Subscription-Based Bakery BusinessJoin our Facebook Group to keep the conversation going

Ever wonder how a small bakery team can consistently generate over $1 million a year in revenue—without burning out?  In this behind-the-scenes episode, Meg shares the exact tech tools that help her and co-owner Molly run a lean, efficient, and profitable bakery operation. From point-of-sale systems to payroll, email marketing to order automation, you’ll get a peek into the tools that power their bakery’s success—and learn how to start streamlining your own business, one smart upgrade at a time! Key Takeaways: The full tech stack we use to run our bakery on part-time hoursHow automation helps us reduce admin work and increase efficiencySpecific tools for POS, accounting, marketing, payroll, timekeeping, and moreWhere to start if you’re overwhelmed and want to implement just one changeWhy choosing the right tools (not the most expensive ones) can be a game-changerResources Mentioned in This Episode: ShopifyZapietSeal SubscriptionsOrder PrinterA2X for ShopifyMailchimpQuickBooks OnlineBill.comGusto7ShiftsGoogle WorkspaceZapierAsanaZoomLastPassLinktreeJoin the Conversation:   Got a favorite tool of your own? Want help figuring out what systems to implement first? Join our free Bakery Business Academy Facebook Group or reach out via email—I'd love to hear from you!