Phoenixville Chamber Spotlight: Soltane Breads and Spreads

It’s the first of many busy fall afternoons for Soltane Breads and Spreads, as patrons stream into the shop for the ultimate cold weather comfort snack—some fresh-baked, crusty bread and a cup of Soltane’s hand-crafted “pour over” coffee.

Soltane Breads and Spreads opened in July, and has quickly become a fixture of the Phoenixville community. According to manager Ryan Hagan, business couldn’t be better, and he is pleased to have the support of other local business owners in the borough as well.

“Collaboration with other local businesses has been dynamic,” said Hagan. "We are so happy to be able to work together with everyone.”

Customers of the Wooden Spoon on Main Street can now enjoy sandwiches on Soltane’s artisan breads and Hagan is also working on creating a custom rye bread for Eleanor’s Kitchen.

Soltane Breads and Spreads will make it official on Tuesday when they host a ribbon-cutting ceremony, further establishing the shop’s presence in the Phoenixville community. The ceremony, which is by invite only, will welcome key attendees from the local community, including borough business owners and representatives from local government and business associations.

In addition to its involvement in the local community, the shop also serves as an extension of Camphill Soltane, a non-profit organization based in nearby Glenmoore that provides individuals with special needs the opportunities to uncover their talents and grow their abilities.

Soltane Breads and Spreads offers Camphill residents a unique opportunity to participate in the shop’s daily operations as baker's apprentices; allowing them to “test the waters” to see if baking is something they might enjoy. Residents can see which of their skills can be applied on the job.

Hagan said the program is intended to become a more formalized workshop, giving Camphill Soltane residents who are interested in the program the opportunity to take on full responsibilities as a shopkeeper or baker.

“Working here gives residents the opportunity to define themselves and gives purpose to their lives,” said Hagan. “It’s definitely a boost to their self-esteem and gives them the chance to be a part of something and a part of the [Phoenixville] community,” he said.

To further bring the Camphill and local communities together, the Camphill trinity—Camphill Special School, Camphill Soltane, and Camphill Village Kimberton Hills will host their third annual Camphill Challenge bike ride on Oct. 16 to benefit children, youth and adults with developmental disabilities participating in Camphill’s life-sharing programs.

The family-friendly event offers 50-, 25-, and 10-mile routes as well as a family ride. This year’s event also features new ride routes, a complimentary picnic lunch and live musical entertainment on the grounds of the Kimberton Waldorf School, where the rides begin and end.

For more information about Camphill Soltane, visit the organization’s website. Soltane Breads and Spreads is located at 138 Bridge St., Phoenixville.