The Flavor of Fate: How Brimstone Bakery Found Its Home

ROOTED
Written By SEEC Associates

Brimstone Bakery, known for its innovative approach to traditional recipes and daily eye-catching and tasty lunch menu, is a local gem in the rolling hills in the Village of Sharon Springs, Schoharie County, NY. A testament to founder, Anthony Leberto‘s, 30+ years of culinary expertise and creativity, Brimstone Bakery has captured the hearts and palates of locals and visitors alike.

A member of Beekman 1802’s former community of artisans, Brimstone Bakery, takes pride in sourcing local ingredients, using fresh eggs from local farmers (quiche is a must-try we’ve heard), honey from nearby apiaries, local produce such as Hop & Hammer Farms being 100% handmade and grown in Sharon Springs. When asked what inspires the menu, “For me it’s about flavor and texture,” says Anthony. “We take a classic item and turn it on its side. For example, the traditional snickerdoodle that I grew up with instead of rolling it in cinnamon sugar, we roll it in heath bar crunch.” Delicious!

In 2017, a serendipitous magazine article introduced Anthony and his husband to Sharon Springs. A visit to the historic American Hotel followed where they met long-time owners Doug and Garth and had a chance encounter with a local realtor. The couple decided to view three homes in the area during their trip, one of which was a charming, “albeit rundown, house needing some TLC” but ultimately, felt like home. “I heard a voice in my head saying, ‘This is your home,’” Anthony remembered. “It was a sign.”

“From the moment I visited I thought this would be an interesting place to start a business.” claimed Anthony. By 2018, Brimstone Bakery was born.

An entrepreneurial endeavor in Sharon Springs was not Anthony’s first adventure. An Italian American from the small city Williamsport, PA, Anthony developed a passion for baking with his family, particularly his signature cookies that remained a staple throughout his life and at the bakery to this day. After studying at Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communications, Anthony ventured to San Francisco to pursue a writing and editing career yet became mesmerized by the city’s vibrant food scene. Despite his family’s hopes for a star-studded best-selling author or being “the next Anderson Cooper” as Anthony jokes, he chose to follow his passion for food, embarking on a culinary apprenticeship. California provided many opportunities, combined with a “nothing works, if you don’t hard work” mindset, Anthony established his roots in the food industry.

His journey then led him back East to work with Martha Stewart in NYC as a food stylist and recipe developer. “Martha taught me the art of attention to detail, colors and proportions” Anthony recalls. Anthony then worked under restaurateur, Steve Hanson, opening and managing restaurants deeply entrenching himself in the schooling of fine dining, where he learned “You’re not a waiter, you’re a tour guide.” Seeking a more creative culinary path, Anthony landed a personal chef position sight unseen, “I would truly say this is how I learned to cook,” Anthony remarked “I could use my palette, that’s what I am really enjoy – the balance.”

Anthony’s dedication to his craft is evident in every aspect of Brimstone Bakery, from the deep rich colors and luxurious gold on the packaging to the meticulously crafted flavors – the mouthwatering sea salt creamy milk chocolate chipotle brownies, for example! “We wanted everything to be packaged beautifully, the product and the experience come first,” Anthony explains. “We strive to make everyone feel very special and food to feel experiential.” Impeccable service further enhances the dining experience, making Brimstone Bakery a true destination.

The bakery began with a focus on wholesale reaching clients as far as Pittsfield, Mass., and NYC. Jams, jellies, and Anthony’s childhood cookies were the bakery’s main offerings. The pandemic prompted the creation of a Saturday-only walk-up or drive-thru window, meeting the community’s demand for more accessibility and broader menu options. One memorable Saturday, a family came in wanting to sit, eat lunch and drink from the new coffee and tea program. Anthony quickly improvised by using two vintage sawhorses and a large sheet of glass to create a makeshift dining table, providing table service to the delighted family. Despite initial space limitations, Brimstone Bakery thrived, “I think food can break all social barriers,” he reflects. Anthony relishes the fact that farmers to doctors and students to grandparents find their way to 922 Chestnut Street.

The bakery’s retail transformation began in 2021 when the space was redesigned from a cluttered front porch into (the beginning phase of) a cozy sanctuary. Anthony’s passion for gardening shines in the lush grounds he designed, tastefully featuring seating around a layered and latticed evergreen tree, which opened to customers in April 2022. Emphasizing the importance of creating a memorable experience for customers he shares, “We want to transport you. You don’t know if you’re sitting in NYC, a garden in England, street dining in Paris, New Orleans or in our Schoharie County.” Brimstone now boasts a welcoming and expanded retail space including indoor seating and a library nook.

A watering hole of friendly interactions during our short visit at the bakery. It seems it may be true when Anthony shares, “Brimstone Bakery is my way of inviting people into my creative world.”

Despite his professional success, Anthony remains rooted in his community as an active board member at Klinkhart Arts Center and Schoharie County Arts Council helping to curate galleries at 287 Main Schoharie, the SEEC home office and coworking space for the community. Anthony also serves on the Board and as Vice President of the Sharon Springs Chamber of Commerce.

Brimstone Bakery is more than a place to enjoy inventive pastries and savory delights – it’s a gathering place centered around a commitment to making each visit special. Stop by Brimstone’s gentle garden for local coffee and tea, indulge in the culinary lunch menu, order one of the signature customizable birthday layer cakes or famous Christmas fruitcake! You may even hire Brimstone Bakery as your next special event caterers.

SEEC can’t wait for its annual Toast to the Town this December as Brimstone Bakery will, no doubt, create a flavorful culinary experience.

ROOTED 

Interviewed and Authored by SEEC Associates, July 2024 

Photos by Christine Harris

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