Presti’s, a small family owned Sicilian restaurant and bakery on the warm and welcoming road in Cleveland’s Little Italy has been opening at 6am everyday since 1903. Known as Cleveland’s oldest, still-standing bakery, there is no question as to why it is so loved. Not only is everything reasonably priced, but it is filled to the brim with cookies, creme brulee, gelato, cheesecake and exceptional staff.
The outside of Presti’s appears to be a classy, clean bakery that any student could find themselves in studying or having a slice of tiramisu with a friend. But inside, it is more than that. This shop represents family and belonging, treating every customer like a friend. The second I walked in, I was greeted by people smiling, staff working together and the delightful smell of freshly baked goods.
I sat down for an interview with Hunter Lin, a front of house worker who has found a strong love for their job. After working at the bakery for two years, Lin has discovered an appreciation for working in a smaller establishment and creating valuable relationships with the staff, customers and owners.
“Change starts local, we have to support the people around us before we can think of the bigger picture,” says Lin. “With all the changes in the world right now it’s really necessary to look in your community and try to form bonds from where you are right now.”
Supporting small businesses is supporting a family’s livelihood and allowing more people to see the great that one family can do for a community. As convenient as it may be to go to a nearby chain cafe, going somewhere local can be a rewarding and fun experience for yourself, while also encouraging a staff who is doing their best to support each other and the business.
Lin told me that they could never see themselves working for a large corporation, and that their fellow coworkers always have each other’s back, stating “I couldn’t dream of working at a big corporation or chain place because this is a family restaurant and there is a sense of closeness around the staff.”
With the amazing environment, there is also delicious and well priced food. Their cherry cheesecake (not pictured) has a rich texture with a lemon-y undertone that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cherry toppings, making it a five-star dessert on my plate. When going, I grab two desserts and have not paid more than $15 yet. Their raspberry mousse has a decadent hard-chocolate coat with the inside being a creamy yet refreshing raspberry mousse that pairs better than imagined, and topped with a fresh raspberry. It was definitely my favourite item I have tried there, and it was tempting to buy more.
Presti’s also offers a catering service where they offer their pizzas, pastas, salads, cookie trays and small pastries. You can cater with them through their website or by calling the store directly.
This bakery is not something that anyone should miss out on, so bring a friend or your laptop and have a delicious treat while enjoying an afternoon in the heart of Little Italy.
