naples bakery Pivots Through pandemic, Storms, and Recession to Remain a Local Sweet Spot
NAPLES, FL – For decades, Mikkelsen’s Pastry Shop has been a Naples institution, renowned for its custom cakes and delicate pastries. But teh family-owned business’s enduring success isn’t just about buttercream and flour; it’s a testament to adaptability and community spirit, qualities honed through navigating the challenges of a global pandemic, multiple hurricanes, and economic downturns.
When COVID-19 abruptly shuttered businesses in spring 2020, Elizabeth Mikkelsen and her team quickly reimagined their operation. Recognizing immediate community needs, they pivoted from wedding cakes to providing essential goods and services. “We started making quiches that people could take home for an easy meal,” elizabeth Mikkelsen explained. “Nobody could find bread.We made bread. People needed toilet paper. We sourced it from our restaurant suppliers who had gobs of it because no restaurants were open.” They even partnered with a chemist neighbour to produce hand sanitizer, and facilitated a pop-up farmers market with local suppliers like Farmer Mike’s U-Pick and Halperns’ Steak & Seafood. This resourceful response not only sustained the business but solidified its role as a neighborhood lifeline.
Through the years, the Mikkelsens have consistently demonstrated resilience, weathering numerous hurricanes and economic recessions while maintaining their commitment to quality and personalized service.Their dedication to “getting it right,” as Elizabeth Mikkelsen puts it, has fostered a loyal customer base and ensured the bakery’s continued success. Today,Mikkelsen’s continues to serve the Naples community,offering both classic favorites and custom creations,proving that a sweet tooth - and a strong spirit – can endure even the toughest times.
