About Me.
Hi, I’m Ali! I am originally from a small town near Rochester, New York and moved to Richmond in 2018. I can remember learning to bake from a very young age. Cooking, baking, and most definitely eating was always a big focus whenever our family got together for dinners, holidays, and special occasions! Baking was always a creative way for me to learn, experiment, and interact with my family and friends.
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During the day, I am a teacher for the blind and visually impaired. BUT, at night you can find me in the kitchen (probably making a mess) trying new recipes, and perfecting old ones. If I’m not out at schools teaching or in the kitchen, you can find me working out, reading, hanging with friends, or trying new restaurants!
OUR STORY
From as long as I can remember, I was constantly in the kitchen. My siblings and I would fight over who got to make the cookies or dessert almost every chance we got. Once I branched out and began forging my own path in the kitchen, it became more of a topic of conversation. This led to frequent requests for my baked goods! What started as a hobby and creative outlet, quickly became a passion, which led to the founding of Arlene’s Table.
Arlene was the name of my grandma whom I’ve never met. My dad would always tell me stories about his mom, but the ones I remember most are about her cooking. He always told me how we would have loved to bake together. I have frequently dreamt of owning a bakery and for it to be a place of community and reprieve from the everyday grind. I imagine big, unique tables (built by my dad), where people can feel a sense of community and moment of rest. This home bakery is the first step towards the ultimate vision of Arlene’s Table.
OUR MISSION
The mission of Arlene’s Table is to help create meaningful memories and interactions for our customers. Food has so many purposes – nourishment, cultural expression, energy, nutrition, and JOY. You can probably think back to a certain time, place, or experience, where food has helped create positive memories that you carry with you throughout your life. Arlene’s Table was created to be a catalyst for those memories, and to help create meaningful interactions within the community around you! Whether that’s sharing a morning scone with a loved one, sharing biscuits at dinner with your friends or family, or showing up for someone when they need it most with a batch of cookies in hand, Arlene’s Table is here to help you create those moments!