Katie Reece, owner and operator of Sweet Basil Bake Shop, reaches for a baked good at the newest bake shop in downtown Glasgow. The shop officially opened Jan. 20, 2023.
(BRENNAN CRAIN/WCLU NEWS)
By BRENNAN D. CRAIN, WCLU News
GLASGOW, Ky. — A life-long dream turned to reality last weekend for a Glasgow woman after she opened the newest bake shop and kitchen supply store downtown.
Katie Reece said she grew up alongside her grandfather who taught her to bake goods like bread and rolls. With that knowledge, she ventured to open Sweet Basil Bake Shop which now resides on the east side of the downtown square.
“He would have different dinner parties and entertain,” Reece said. “It was something I enjoyed doing growing up. I wanted to be to share that with the community.”
Construction at the site – located at 132 E. Public Square in Glasgow – has been underway for several weeks. The façade features a glass window display set with a Valentine-themed table and apron. Decorative hearts hang in the background.
The sweet smell of cookies, cupcakes and cinnamon rolls filled the shop on Tuesday afternoon. Reece opened the shop Jan. 20 and customers began rolling in, she said. Lined across shelves inside a case at the shop on Tuesday were strawberry lemonade cupcakes, cinnamon rolls and various types of bread. The shop also boasts a changing daily menu, featuring scones, bagels and cookies.
In a rather unique transition, Reece went from overseeing the South Central Kentucky Cultural Center to operating the bake shop. She said her love of history and the community carried over to her new adventure.
“I love telling people about the area – people who aren’t from here,” she said. “Talking about what Glasgow has to offer is just a fun, rewarding part of the job.”
Reece said she enjoys connecting with customers and learning about their lives. That is one of the reasons she opened the store. She also said she wanted to provide a place with kitchen décor and supplies.
For now, Sweet Basil will be open Tuesday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. The store has a Facebook page, which includes daily menu postings and updates about the business.
