Living with allergens shouldn’t require sacrificing taste. For far too long, diners with allergies could only enjoy so many of the best foods vicariously. Luckily for Loudoun diners, a local baker is stepping up to ensure all customers can savor the same delicious bites as those with non-restrictive diets. Alyssa Sobecki is bringing her concept, The Difference Baker, to the area, and preparing to serve all visitors safe and delectable fare.
The storefront will be opening as part of the Dulles 28 Centre, located at 22000 Dulles Retail Plaza. Owner Sobecki generously set aside some time to fill What Now DC in on The Difference Baker’s new home and the motivation behind the store’s delicious treats. “The inspiration is nothing short of the need for an allergen-friendly environment for people with food-allergies who are just trying to avoid any kind of inflammatory ingredients.”
Sobecki hopes The Difference Baker will fill a void in the culinary world-one she is personally very familiar with. “What inspired me to open it was our own family. It’s been a struggle and the older we get and as my children get older and we travel, we realize how few safe places are available-there are NONE in Loudoun, which is what led us to open right here in our backyard.”
The Sterling storefront will allow The Difference Baker to feed a larger community and attract more customers than the concept’s current Ashburn Road location, which will transition into a production facility. “The Ashburn location is very hidden” Sobecki explains. “We are super excited about this new location.”
A new location is bringing new opportunities for the bakery. Sobecki sees the upcoming storefront as a chance to expand and altar the menu and the entire The Difference Baker experience. “We’re going to have tables, which is super awesome” she says. “We’re launching a new menu, we’re launching a whole new brand, we’re launching a coffee menu, we’re investing in an espresso machine. We’re replacing some products people will be sad about but with things people have never had before. It’s going to be our dream concept.”
The coffee menu in particular is certain to stir excitement in future regulars. Sobecki states that it will be huge. Additionally, the bakery will offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. Fans who already know and love The Difference have plenty to look forward to as well, with exciting new additions planned. Sobecki offers this intriguing taste of things to come: “We are experimenting with some New Jersey favorites, like cheesesteaks and smaller to-go portions that people can get for delivery through third party and direct delivery from us.”
The 1,200 square foot storefront will be able to accommodate about 8 customers inside and outdoor seating will be available as well. The Difference Baker will be open 7 days a week with tentative hours of 9 am to 7 pm.
The Difference Baker does not have a grand opening date yet, however Sobecki is hopeful that she and her team will have the bakery customer-ready by early May.
The Difference Baker is sure to become a community staple. The concept is a true labor of love, and Sobecki and her team are dedicated to making it a place visitors feel seen and welcome. She offers up this eloquent summation: “We’ve learned a lot-what people want, what they love, what they need. We’re focusing on what our customers have asked us for over the last years.”
