Welcome to Bossier: A Fresh Chapter for The Wooden Spoon!
If you’re a resident of Bossier, or just someone who has wandered into this lovely city, chances are you’ve heard of The Wooden Spoon. For many years, it’s been a beloved spot, known for its delightful baked goods and warm atmosphere. But guess what? There’s a new twist to this classic establishment! Enter Chef Angelyn Blake and her husband Duane, the new owners who are blending the cherished traditions of The Wooden Spoon with their own baking magic.
From Corporate to Cookies
Chef Angelyn isn’t new to the kitchen. Having worked as a corporate chef, she decided to take a leap of faith and try her hand at something different. After mastering the intricate craft of bagel making at Creole Bagelry in Slidell, Louisiana, she moved to North Louisiana, where they discovered a surprising void—no bagel shops within a 120-mile radius! It was a glaring opportunity, and Chef Angelyn jumped right in.
Her first bagel special was an instant hit, selling out faster than hotcakes. A glowing review on the 318 Eats Facebook page dubbed her “The Bagel Boss of Shreveport,” which tickled her pink. “I’ll take bagel boss lady,” she laughed, happily embracing her new title.
Bringing It All Together
Since taking over The Wooden Spoon on August 1, 2024, Angelyn and Duane have worked tirelessly to marry the classic recipes of The Wooden Spoon with their own scrumptious bagels and freshmade cream cheeses. It’s all about quality and supporting local! They’ve collaborated with nearby businesses, incorporating ingredients like McKinney Hill Market’s pepper jelly in their cream cheeses and using honey from Always Miss Bee Haven in many of their bagel recipes.
More Than Just Bagels
Now, let’s talk about what’s been cooking at The Wooden Spoon. Customers can enjoy traditional award-winning cookies that have been beloved for years. While the recipes have mostly stayed the same, they’ve made slight tweaks to ensure they continue to meet the high standards everyone loves. After all, even small changes, like adjusting oven temperatures, can have a huge impact on that perfect cookie texture!
But wait, there’s more! A special highlight is their Sandwich of the Month, which features a tasty twist on classic ingredients. The first was a mouthwatering chicken bacon ranch sandwich served on their best-selling jalapeno cheddar bagel. Recently, they introduced a sandwich inspired by Thanksgiving leftovers, packed with carved turkey, Swiss cheese, fresh veggies, smoky bacon, and a cranberry jam, all nestled in a cranberry satsuma French toast bagel—what a delightful combination!
Every Small Smile Counts
While juggling the intricacies of managing a bustling kitchen and ensuring high-quality food, Chef Angelyn and Duane have not lost sight of why they started this venture: to spread joy. Angelyn shares, “Seeing someone’s face light up when I deliver a basket makes everything worth it.” They often take deliveries personally, bringing a smile to little ones or families in need—a beautiful touch that adds to their community spirit.
Facing Challenges with a Smile
It certainly hasn’t been all smooth sailing. Combining two successful businesses under one roof has its challenges. “A lot of people knew Bagel Boss Lady, and many cherished The Wooden Spoon. Now it’s about bringing everyone together and letting them know who we are,” Blake explained. Yet, with the unwavering support from their “core crew”—which includes Duane, Chef Angelyn, and Duane’s mother—they continue overcoming hurdles admirably.
The Rollercoaster Ride
As they navigate the ups and downs of their business journey, Angelyn reflects, “It’s a rollercoaster we won’t get off of. We’re enjoying the ups and downs. The downs aren’t as scary anymore; we know it’s just preparing for the next rise.”
So, if you’re in the Bossier area, stop by and check out the renovated Wooden Spoon at 4350 Viking Drive. Whether you’re in the mood for a warm bagel, a cozy cookie, a hearty sandwich, or just want to be part of this wonderful community, there’s something waiting for you. And don’t forget to follow the Bagel Boss Lady on Facebook for updates on distribution locations and pop-up events. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you!
