On Friday I had the privilege to join with business owner Patrick Ralleo to cut the ribbon on the State Street Bakery and Eatery, located Downtown at 165 State St.

After seven years of planning, Patrick Ralleo opened the State Street Bakery and Eatery on Oct. 15, and has been offering fresh baked goods every morning, including croissants, Danish, cakes and breads. The State Street Bakery and Eatery also serves lunch specialty sandwiches, wraps and salads. Wedding cakes are also available for order.

Mr. Ralleo, who often says “Life is short--eat dessert first,” has been in the business of baking for over twenty years. He fulfilled his long-time dream of opening the bakery believing that downtown needed a neighborhood bakery like the ones he remembered from when he was growing up.

The State Street Bakery is open Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.