Bobbies Bakery 1Six years ago, Katherine Pawelski decided to make a career change to pursue her passion for baking and pastry-making full-time. While attending Lackawanna College, she worked full-time at a bakery in Port Jervis, New York. This experience honed her skills and reinforced her ambition to start her own business – Bobbie Cook’s Bakery.

“I worked for the bakery for five years and did some cake decorating while I was there,” she said. “About three years ago, I got the idea to start my own place. If I was going to make this big life change, why not just keep going with it?”

In March 2023, Pawelski took another leap of faith by quitting her job to operate her business full-time. Initially, she started with an online Etsy shop, which she still maintains. “Etsy is tough because there are so many people selling things. It got to the point where if I was going to do this, I had to just do it,” she explains. By April, she was navigating the complex process of becoming a licensed business, which involved finding a commercial kitchen.

During her search, she learned about the Hazleton Kitchen Incubator. While Pawelski lives in Lackawanna County, a friend in Bloomsburg introduced her to the Hazleton Art League, which led her to the Hazleton-based shared kitchen program. The incubator provided the necessary support and resources she needed, making starting a food business much more manageable. She credits Nico Makuta, CAN DO’s Business Finance Specialist, with being particularly helpful in becoming a licensed food entrepreneur.

“I filled out an application, and they got back to me almost immediately. Nico had a checklist with everything on it, and about a month and a half later, I was in the kitchen,” Pawelski says.

Bobbies Bakery 2The name Bobbie Cook's Bakery holds personal significance for Pawelski. “Bobbie Cook is named after my mom, who passed away about 20 years ago. My grandfather called her Bobbie, and I wanted to create a bakery that embodies the feeling of comfort and home,” she says. As the Owner and Executive Pastry Chef for Bobbie Cook's Bakery, Pawleski aims to offer gourmet cookies that are both unique and comforting, much like the memory of her mother.

Looking ahead, Pawelski dreams of opening a brick-and-mortar store. “I want a warm, inviting spot, not just a place where you get your stuff and leave. I want it to have more ambiance than a standard bakery,” she explains. For now, she is focused on growing her customer base and developing her product line, with plans to introduce new fall-themed products soon.

Pawelski acknowledges the significant support she has received along the way. Her sister has been a crucial part of the business, embodying the warmth and comfort Pawelski strives to provide through her bakery. She is also thankful for her small group of friends who have been unwavering in their support, encouraging her to pursue her dreams without hesitation.

You can find Bobbie Cook's Bakery sweets at the Carbondale Farmers Market, Pioneer City Market, Old & Brew in Peckville, and on Etsy. You can also stay up-to-date with her offerings on Facebook.

For more information about the Hazleton Kitchen Incubator or starting a business in the Greater Hazleton Area, visit canbe.biz or contact Nico Makuta at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..