Inspiring Conversations with Matthew Estep of The Bearded Baker

Today we’d like to introduce you to Matthew Estep

Hi Matthew, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
The story starts by adventuring from one Columbus restaurant to another for over 15 years, until finally finding a home at Gallo’s Kitchen in Upper Arlington. Where I got to cook and learn with some amazing chefs including Tommy Gallo. There I was also given the freedom to start experimenting with my own style of desserts. From Gallo’s Kitchen, I was given the opportunity to follow my cheesecake dreams and honing my craft at the Woodbury. Until finally venturing out to the East Market and meeting Kylie Redman. Finding someone with the same passion for baking and desserts as myself, enabled this to take off to places I had never dreamed of. After two years together, we have both even brought our sisters to the Bearded Baker team. Which gives us a real family feel. Matt’s mother, Mama Cheesecake, even aids in deliveries and accounting for our business. The neighborhood at the East Market and other amazing food lovers (Jared) have really helped expand our following and get our name out there.

We would be more than happy to expand on any of this…if necessary.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Even being in the business for over twenty years, this is our first time adventuring out on our own. We are learning from each decision and mistake as we go, including equipment purchasing, and all of the typical obstacles of a new business. These all dwarf in comparison to our biggest challenge of continued growth while still providing the freshest product on the market, as we do not freeze anything and they are baked daily.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about The Bearded Baker?
We specialize in cheesecakes, cookies, and hand-crafted desserts that are always fresh (we have never owned a freezer). We change our menu flavors daily with over 15 cheesecake flavors each day.

We are most proud of the fact that we did our first year and a half essentially living (sometimes 36 hours shifts) at the East Market while operating with one single oven to uphold our standards.

We are open Tuesday-Sunday from 11am until we sell out.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson that we have learned along the way is that you have to have high standards and stick to them…always keep your word with your customers and employees…believe in yourself and your product…never be afraid to branch out and try something new no matter the results…be appreciative.

Pricing:

• Whole Cheesecakes, by pre-order, start at $50
• Slices of Cheesecake $7
• Mini Cheesecakes $4.50
• Assorted Cookies $2.50-3
• Cookie Sandwiches $4.00

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thebeardedbakerllc.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebeardedbakerllc?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebeardedbakerllc