Today we’d like to introduce you to MARY EHMANN.
Hi MARY, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Steve and Mary never imagined that owning a bakery would become their second career, but looking back, it feels like everything led them here.
They moved from rural New Jersey to Cape Charles in 2020 after Steve’s engineering job brought them to the area. They immediately fell in love with the small-town charm, the sense of community, and the slower pace of life. Mary had been a teacher for many years, but during the pandemic she started thinking about what the next chapter of her life might look like. Baking had always been a passion of hers – she grew up in a family where everything was made from scratch, and her first job was working as a baker at a restaurant. Owning their own business had always been a dream, even if they never expected it to actually happen.
When The Bakery on Mason unexpectedly became available, they knew it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Mary and Steve left their careers—Steve as an engineer and Mary as a teacher—and purchased the bakery in 2023. One of the things that made the decision easier was the opportunity to learn directly from the previous owners, Louise Orlando and Andrew Barbour, who generously mentored them and entrusted them with the recipes and traditions they had built over the years.
Since reopening as Mason Avenue Bakery, they have worked to honor that foundation while continuing to grow the business. Mary and Steve have expanded their partnerships with local farms and producers, added new menu items, built an online store, and created a bakery that reflects both their love of artisan baking and their commitment to the Cape Charles community.
Today, the bakery is more than just a business—it is the heart of their lives. Every day they get to serve their neighbors, welcome visitors from around the country, and create a place where people gather over fresh bread, pastries, and coffee. It has been an incredible journey, and they are grateful they took the leap. Looking back, what seemed like an unexpected career change has truly become their dream come true.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It certainly was not a completely smooth road. Like many entrepreneurs, Steve and Mary faced a steep learning curve as they transitioned from careers in engineering and education to owning and operating an artisan bakery. While Mary had always loved baking and both had previous restaurant experience, running a successful bakery required mastering everything from production schedules and inventory management to staffing, marketing, and customer service.
The first several months were especially challenging. They spent time training with the previous owners to learn the specialized recipes and techniques that had made the bakery a Cape Charles favorite. They also had to earn the trust of loyal customers while finding their own identity as new owners.
Building a reliable team has been one of their greatest ongoing challenges. Like many small businesses, recruiting and retaining employees in a seasonal tourist community has required patience, flexibility, and a willingness to continually adapt.
There have also been the day-to-day realities of small business ownership—early mornings, long hours, equipment issues, rising ingredient costs, and the constant balancing act of delivering exceptional quality while remaining financially sustainable.
Despite those challenges, Steve and Mary view every obstacle as an opportunity to learn and improve. Their willingness to embrace change, listen to customers, and continuously evolve has allowed Mason Avenue Bakery to grow while staying true to its artisan roots. Looking back, they would not change the journey, as every challenge has helped shape the bakery into what it is today.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Mason Avenue Bakery is an artisan bakery located in the heart of historic Cape Charles, Virginia, dedicated to creating handcrafted breads, pastries, sandwiches, and desserts made from scratch using traditional techniques and the finest ingredients. While rooted in European baking traditions, the bakery proudly celebrates Virginia’s Eastern Shore by incorporating locally sourced ingredients whenever possible and partnering with area farms and producers throughout the year.
The bakery is perhaps best known for its naturally leavened sourdough breads, handcrafted baguettes, buttery croissants, seasonal pastries, and made-to-order sandwiches served on bread baked fresh each morning. Every item is prepared in small batches with an emphasis on quality over quantity, creating an experience that keeps both local residents and visitors returning year after year.
What sets Mason Avenue Bakery apart is its commitment to authenticity, craftsmanship, and community. Rather than following trends or mass-producing products, Steve and Mary focus on preserving the artistry of traditional baking while adding thoughtful seasonal offerings that highlight the bounty of the Eastern Shore. They believe exceptional food begins with exceptional ingredients, patience, and attention to detail.
Beyond the bakery itself, Steve and Mary have worked to build a welcoming gathering place where people connect over fresh bread and coffee. They are especially proud of the relationships they have built with local farmers, neighboring businesses, and the Cape Charles community. Since taking ownership, they have expanded the bakery’s offerings, launched an online store featuring their signature shortbread shipped nationwide, and continued investing in the business while remaining true to the bakery’s original artisan roots.
More than anything, Steve and Mary want readers to know that Mason Avenue Bakery is built on passion, hospitality, and a genuine love for bringing people together. Whether someone is stopping in for their morning croissant, picking up a loaf of sourdough for dinner, or visiting Cape Charles for the first time, they hope every customer leaves feeling like they have experienced something both memorable and uniquely Eastern Shore.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
One of Mary’s favorite childhood memories is baking with her family. Growing up as one of six children, eating out was a rare treat, so the kitchen naturally became the heart of the home. Whether it was baking cookies, cakes, or holiday treats, she loved watching simple ingredients come together to create something that brought everyone to the table.
Those early experiences sparked a lifelong passion for baking and taught her that food is about much more than nourishment—it’s about creating memories, celebrating traditions, and bringing people together. Those lessons continue to inspire the philosophy behind Mason Avenue Bakery today, where every loaf of bread, pastry, and dessert is made with the hope of becoming part of someone else’s special memory.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.masonavenuebakery.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/masonavenuebakery/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/masonavenuebakery/
