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In January, the clan had just returned from a family vacation to Mexico. They promised themselves that when they got back they would get down to the serious business of opening a business. The decision was that it would be a bakery. Chris has taken on John’s challenge, “If you want to open a bakery, go work in one and learn, learn, learn.” That is exactly what he did. In fact, when the owner of that bakery asked him why he wanted to work there, he proudly told him that he too would own a bakery one day. Zach was still in college, but agreed that on his summer vacation and after graduation the next fall, he too would work to get the business up and running. Taylor, a high-school student, also agreed to pitch in. Tabby, Chris’ girlfriend, also was willing to help out. The wheels were in motion. If you’ve ever opened a business, you know that it is a major undertaking when done well. John and Pat, while still working at a franchisee of Pizza Hut in the home office, started doing the research. Meanwhile, John was going to school full-time as well to get his MBA. Instructors at University of Houston-Victoria allowed John to work on some of his post-graduate projects using the bakery as his model. He received expert advice on his business plan while both took vacation time and weekends to explore the business in detail. The family decided that John would work full-time and Pat and the rest of the family would open the business. Then the owner of Chris’ workplace offered his business for sale. The family pitched in to help the owners fix up the dilapidated business so it could pass the rigorous government inspections needed to transfer ownership. Nights and weekends were filled with hectic activity. It was all coming together. Then the bottom fell out. The owners of the Pizza Hut franchised announced that they were going to sell by August….and the new owners did not want the office staff professionals! The owners of the bakery where Chris worked decided they did not want to sell. And, as mentioned earlier, the economy was starting to go downhill. What to do? The Coffrens decided that it was either time to pull back or charge forward. Charge forward, they did! They started looking for sites to open a “from scratch” bakery. They scoured their savings to get the cash they would need to get the doors open. They purchased used equipment online and trekked the country picking up pieces to save freight costs. Then Pat came upon the perfect location at the corner of Lynnhaven and Rosemont Rd. They negotiated a lease and once again, prior to signing the document, heard, “Are you sure you want to do this?” The answer, a resounding “YES!” As John said, “There is no perfect time to do anything, and sometimes you have to just go on faith, good planning, and hard work.” Today, in a very short period of time, Bliss Bakery has been recognized as a great family bakery with many of the same characteristics of the traditional bakeries found in other parts of the country. Donuts with sweet goodness baked in. Cannolis, light and crispy with that unmistakable creamy filling. Pepperoni, Cheddar and Jalapeno Cheddar bread that melts in your mouth. Not to mention some very awesome custom cakes too! Talents and abilities that had been hidden or undiscovered previously have become evident. But the most important ingredient has been the fantastic customers that have graced their business. People from all over Hampton Roads from as far away as Yorktown and even Richmond have made the trip to find Bliss. People have told stories of the people from long distances that have told them to make a trip to the bakery. It has humbled the family to know that people are so supportive and loyal even during the toughest of times. They feel they are rediscovering those vital elements that has made America great- hard work, small locally-owned business ingenuity, and the support of an enthusiastic community. The bakery has been very successful in its short history and defied conventional wisdom. A second location opening in late July 2011 in the heart of the Virginia Beach business district at Town Center. John said, “Hey, what great downtown area doesn’t have a traditional bakery?” The family business has grown its working family to ten employees and counting. The Coffrens have confirmed that if you work hard, make a good product and treat every customer like gold, you can be successful at any time. They extend a sincere invitation to you and your family to come be a part of their growing family of great customers!
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