Those Fresh Bread Feels

Location: Northern California | Mendocino County

Business Type: Restaurant, Bakery

Small Business Center: West Center WBC

Assistance Received: Business Planning, Business Advising

Visit Schat’s Bakery & Cafe online

The Schat’s family has been baking for over 100 years! Zach, owner of Schat’s Bakery and Café in Ukiah, CA, is the son of a Holland born Baker where this family tradition started way back in 1893. Zach’s father immigrated to the United States through Ellis Island and created a baking empire with his “Do or Die attitude”.

Learning the ins and outs of the family baking business, Zach proceeded to go to college, later opening his own neighborhood bakery in Mendocino County. Working 6.5 days a week baking, cooking, and doing administrative work, he quickly learned his future success would depend on his inherited ‘Do or Die Attitude’ and a solid group of reliable employees.

Following, the most impactful decision made was bringing on Lisa Hensley as the Operations Manager. Lisa was a natural fit to handle the Human Resource needs of 50 part-time employees, overseeing operations in three locations, and helping in the Bakery when needed. There were still missing pieces in running and managing the business, that’s when Zach gave Lisa the green light to contact West Center, a Women’s Business Center that serves Mendocino County.

Zach was confident in contacting this technical assistance center after he learned they primarily serve women-owned business but also serve any gender requesting assistance. Lisa was able to work with an Advisor that assisted them with resources to revamp their employee handbook and translate it into Spanish. Lisa recalls the advisors were helpful, responsive, and assisted greatly in smoothing out the HR process for this growing business and changing times.

Updated: 4/23/2024