Nancy (Purcell) Umberger is one busy lady. On a recent Friday morning I paid a visit to her award-winning Take the Cake bakery on Boston Post Road in Guilford. “I have to warn you,” Nancy began, “one of my employees called in sick, so it’s pretty crazy today.”
“Take the Cake” had its start in 1986 operating out of a home kitchen and later moving to Guilford in 1988. In 1992, Nancy became owner, working side by side with her sister Sharon who was part of the team for 15 years. Today, Nancy along with her nine employees, does much of her business selling beautifully designed treats directly to coffee shops, restaurants and caterers. And of course, her wedding cakes are highly desired along the shoreline.
After graduating from Branford High School in 1976, where she played field hockey, participated in modern dance and served in student government, Nancy continued her education at culinary school at Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island earning her Bachelor’s degree and beginning her career working at different area restaurants as a chef.
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This year the business was named “Best of New Haven” by the New Haven Advocate for both best wedding cake and best dessert and has consistently picked up awards as one of the best bakeries in the Greater New Haven area.
Nancy currently lives in Madison with her husband, David Umberger, a classical guitarist. Please stop by and pay her a visit at 2458 Boston Post Road in Guilford or visit the website at: www.originaltakethecake.com. Just don’t go in hungry!
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Know at BHS graduate with an interesting story? E-mail Mike Russo at RussoM@zhi.com to nominate him or her to be featured.
