Pastry Passions, the brainchild of Safiya Burton-Chisholm, opened its third outlet on Hope Road late last year, with plans for a fourth by year-end. Burton-Chisholm’s other two outlets are at Sovereign Centre and Half-Way-Tree Transport Centre. Burton-Chisholm also shared with Thursday Food that she is “exploring the possibility of licensing a franchise in Ocho Rios”.

Back, however, to Pastry Passions Hope Road, where customer convenience, accessibility,visibility, expansion of the brand — from a business standpoint — to spread overhead costs and increase revenues, thereby boosting profitability, led to the opening of the third. “We are also grateful to be able to lease parking space at the back of the property, and are currently in the process of developing the additional parking, hence even greater convenience,” added Burton-Chisholm. “Additionally, in Jamaica, I’ve found very few places where people from all walks of life can intermingle in a safe and beautiful environment. I, therefore, wanted to create a space where everyone feels welcome, truly special. We love our children at Pastry Passions, so we have a dedicated play area, complete with complimentary crayons and colouring sheets. Additionally, parents of infants and toddlers will appreciate the diaper changing table and station. Indeed they do!

Expect the same sweet treats that you have become accustomed to in the 2,100 sq ft eatery, plus excellent savoury items like burgers, pesto quinoa salad and popular breakfast items on the weekends.

French macarons — Burton-Chisholm reminds us that Pastry Passion was the first to introduce them. New sweet treats like coconut cake with marshmallow frosting, Oreo cheesecake with chocolate mousse, tiramisu, etc, Devon House ice cream, espresso beverages, and Orijin juices soon to come, creme brulee french toast, red velvet pancakes and artisan croissants. The ambiance is visually appealing without being intimidating and cost-prohibitive: the vanilla cupcakes, for example, start at $95. “This price range is naturally affordable for every budget considering we still prepare everything from scratch,” explained Burton-Chisholm.

The most requested cakes are the Hummingbird, Red Velvet, Lychee and Carrot, with the French macarons requested daily.

Numerous lessons have been learnt along the way but the main ones, according to Burton-Chisholm, are: 1 Hire people who embrace the Pastry Passions culture and work ethic 2. Entrepreneurship can be rewarding and yet painful at times. 3. Know your numbers. 4. Do not be a slave to your business; implement standards and systems that will allow you to still enjoy your life and your family. Life is too short. 5. Don’t take people for granted. 6. Stay passionate. 7. Never stop learning and innovating.

In expansion mode, yes! Still dreaming of owning the largest retail bakery in the world? Burton-Chisholm paused before responding: “I was just contemplating this the other day. I have no doubt that it will happen, but these days, I just want to operate the world’s BEST retail bakery that operates with excellence, passion, and integrity. I also want, more than ever, to be a strong force for social change, especially for the protection of our children in our society.”