Mama G’s Bakery: Authentic German Treats Delight St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg welcomes a new taste of Europe with the arrival of Mama G’s German Bakery and Coffeehouse. The bakery, which opened its doors on Central Avenue in March 2024, offers a variety of traditional Bavarian pastries and rustic breads, aiming to create a welcoming space for the community to connect. This location joins another in Kenneth City, expanding the reach of Mama G’s authentic German flavors in Pinellas County.

Jacqueline Blowers, the owner, carries on a family legacy that began generations ago in Wunsiedel, Bavaria. Growing up in her family’s bakery, she dreamed of bringing those cherished flavors to the United States. Now,with Mama G’s,she’s making that dream a reality,offering treats that evoke memories of home and family for both herself and her customers.

A Family’s Baking Legacy

The story of Mama G’s begins with Jacqueline’s mother, Beate Goldstein, whose name inspired the bakery’s moniker. After immigrating to the U.S., Beate’s son-in-law, bruce blowers, playfully nicknamed her “Mama G” due to the difficulty some had pronouncing her name. This eventually led to the opening of the first Mama G’s in north Sarasota in 2015,following a decade of Beate’s work at a gourmet market.

In 2018, Jacqueline Blowers established her own location in Kenneth city, fulfilling her childhood aspiration. Her siblings later joined the family business, opening a third shop in 2022. The newest location on Central Avenue in St. Petersburg emerged unexpectedly in March 2024, after a customer suggested the ideal spot. Despite not planning an expansion, the chance felt destined.

Bruce Blowers, owners of Mama G’s Bakery and Coffeehouse, bring a taste of Germany to their shops in Kenneth City and on Central Avenue in St.Petersburg.” width=”620″ height=”auto”>

Bavarian Flavors and Community Connection

While the central Avenue location has a slightly smaller menu than the Kenneth City shop, it still features a wide array of traditional pastries, rustic breads, and Bavarian snacks. Popular items include bienenstich (Bee Sting), a sweet yeast dough filled with vanilla custard and topped with honey and almonds, as well as flaky Danish pastries and croissants with various fillings.

Did You Know? The Bienenstich, or “Bee Sting” cake, gets its name from a legend about bakers from a German town who threw beehives at raiders from a neighboring village in the 15th century. Atlas Obscura

Jacqueline Blowers emphasizes the emotional connection customers have with certain items, particularly the poppy seed strudel. She recounts stories of customers brought to tears by the pastry, as it reminds them of cherished memories with loved ones. This personal connection is what makes the work so rewarding for her.

Beyond the joy it brings to customers,Blowers sees her bakery as a way to pass something meaningful to her children,preserving a piece of her childhood for the next generation.

Behind the Scenes: A Family Affair

Like many small business owners, Blowers acknowledges the challenges of long hours and fluctuating ingredient costs. Though, the meaning behind the work outweighs these difficulties. her husband, Bruce Blowers, plays a crucial role in the business, managing marketing, social media, and the website.Bruce, a classically trained musician, finds joy in supporting his wife’s dream and working together as a family.

Pro Tip: Supporting local businesses like Mama G’s helps strengthen the community and preserves unique cultural traditions.

The Blowers family aims to create a welcoming space where neighbors can connect over coffee and pastries, sharing a taste of Europe and fostering a sense of community.

Mama G’s Locations

For more facts, visit mamagsbakery.com.

What’s your favorite German pastry? Have you visited Mama G’s Bakery? Share your thoughts in the comments below!