Most of us learn in kindergarten that stealing is bad. But for Amanda Kane and Dallas Hlatky, pilfering is the key to entrepreneurial success. No, they don’t make a living selling hot phones or cars. Instead, these baking burglars create cookies and cakes that are hot—literally.
In March, the pair hosted the first in a series of pop-up bake-sale events held the first Saturday of every month at the Annex, an Asbury Park wine bar, launching the mystery-shrouded Stolen Goods Bake Shop that, months later, is making a name for itself elsewhere in Monmouth County.
“We have a longtime love of all things baked and delicious. Who doesn’t?” says Kane, 31, of Interlaken. She and Hlatky, 29, of Matawan, were inspired by all the recipes they have “stolen” through the years from family members.
“We started it as a one-time-event idea and weren’t exactly sure where it would lead,” says Kane, noting that at the first event, they sold out after just 2½ hours. “We had such a great response that we were able to make it a monthly gig.”
Since then, Stolen Goods has also popped up in Red Bank and Deal, with the next event scheduled for July 2 at the Bodega Shoppe on the Asbury Park boardwalk.
Though neither has formal culinary training, Kane’s background in marketing and Hlatky’s experience with design helped brand Stolen Goods as homage to the family recipes they’ve collected and crafted over the years. Best sellers include a marble cake purloined from Kane’s grandmother and fruit pies snatched from Hlatky’s mom.
Despite the popularity of Stolen Goods’ treats, the budding entrepreneurs don’t see a brick-and-mortar bakery in their future any time soon.
“Both of us have always dreamed of opening up our own bakeries,” says Hlatky. “But I think at this point in our lives—Amanda about to have her second child and me my first, and both of us having full-time jobs that are still very important to us—the pop-up events were designed to keep that balance manageable. And we know that part of the draw is the excitement around our one-day-only events.”
For now, fans can check Stolen Goods’ Facebook page or stolengoodsbakeshop.com for upcoming pop-ups. Hlatky says to watch for destinations outside Monmouth County in the future.
“We’re kind of a phantom bakery where you never know where we’re going to come up next,” says Kane.
“Yes,” Hlatky chimes in. “You’ll have to follow our trail of crumbs.”