Grounded and Baked, a bakery and gift shop, will open in August at 106 W Railroad St. in La Grange. The bakery will offer items such as cakes, pies, muffins, bread, cupcakes, cake jars, and scones. Additionally, there will be a coffee station in the shop. The gift shop will feature outdoor decorations including flags, bows, windmills, and pillow covers. Plants will also be available for purchase.

The baking venture will be a family endeavor led by owner Brad Mitchell, along with his aunt and mother. Mitchell learned the art of baking from his grandmother, who was renowned for her baked goods. She passed on her expertise to him, teaching him how to create all of her specialty treats. Building upon this foundation, Mitchell has introduced his own unique touch to certain items, incorporating various cupcake and cake jar varieties into his menu.

The inspiration for the bakery and gift shop stems from Mitchell's business background. While he has always harbored a passion for baking and dreamt of opening a bakery, he also wanted to offer customers a wider selection of items to choose from. Hence, the combination of a bakery and gift shop was born.

The name Grounded and Baked is derived from Mitchell's grandmother, symbolizing the deep connection they have with her baking legacy.

"When my grandmother baked cakes, she did it with love, and we strive to do the same," Mitchell shared. He and his family aim to remain grounded in the traditions passed down by their grandmother, while infusing their creations with love.

"When you consume our products, not only do they taste great, but you can also sense the familial essence behind them," he added.

Grounded and Baked will also cater to customers with specific dietary needs by offering gluten-free and vegan desserts. Customers can either choose items directly from the bakery or place orders over the phone.

Mitchell's goal is to evoke a strong sense of nostalgia among customers, allowing them to enjoy these treats with their loved ones.

The bakery will have a soft opening in August, followed by a grand opening in September.