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KINGSTON — Butch Sacipi calls his business, AmberDonia Bakery, “a funhouse.”
“Whether you’re 2 years old or 100 years old, there’s something here for you,” he said.
The Old World European-style bakery has a location on East Union Street and recently announced a new location on the corner of East Northampton and South Washington streets in Wilkes-Barre, the former location of Ibop Coffee.
AmberDonia offers wood-fired pizzas, pastries and specialty coffees. The business will close its Dickson City facility across from the Viewmont Mall as part of the Wilkes-Barre location opening. The Kingston bakery will remain open.
The Wilkes-Barre bakery is set to open within “two to three months,” said Sacipi. He said the facility needs a complete renovation, and the 3,000-square-foot site will include an outdoor patio space for patrons to enjoy.
Everything will be made in-house, except for “major cakes,” which will be baked at the Kingston location, said Sacipi.
Sacipi, who owns the business with his wife Aida, said the move to Wilkes-Barre will help the business expand and bridge the span between the Hazleton area, where the business first began in 2010, and the Scranton area, where the business was previously located.
He also said he’s looking forward to moving downtown, which attracts different patrons. Sacipi said he was told there are about 120 apartments in the area where the Wilkes-Barre site is located, in addition to traffic from nearby businesses.
“You see what’s been happening to malls,” said Sacipi, noting the closure announcements of department stores like Sears and Macy’s. The Dickson City site is located within the Fashion Mall plaza on Business Route 6.
He believes the quality and price of his product will continue to attract customers from both sides of the Wyoming Valley.
“There’s no reason for a family of four to spend more than $20 here,” said Sacipi.
He said many people would have to travel to New York City or Philadelphia to get a similar experience.
“It’s no longer necessary to travel,” he said. “We’re just across the bridge.”
Sacipi plans to hire more staff members, as many workers from the Dickson City location will not transfer to the new site. While he does not know exactly how many employees he will hire, full-time and part-time positions are available. Those interested can call the Kingston location at 570-714-6000 for more information.
The new location will feature ample parking, including five designated spots across from R/C Wilkes-Barre Movies 14, 10 public parking spots and about 30 metered spots nearby, said Sacipi.
“There is ample amount of parking, it just depends on how badly you desire the product,” said Sacipi.
The Sacipi family includes daughters Amberly and Cedonia, and a son, Thorin. The bakery’s name is a combination of their two daughters’ names.