On Thursday, April 11, 2024, the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce partnered with the Garrett County Department of Business Development to hold a ribbon cutting ceremony for the grand opening of Wild Ember Bread.
Connor Norman, Business Development Specialist and Chair of the Garrett County Diplomats, led the ceremony.
Local dignitaries in attendance include Western Maryland Regional Public Engagement Officer Christy Butler from the Comptroller’s office, Commissioner Ryan Savage, Garrett County Chamber of Commerce Board members Darryl Glotfelty, Steve Green, Patty Manown Mash, Emily Tobin, and Chamber President Andrew Fike.
Attendees congratulated owners Omar Qazi and Janine Alsalam on opening the bakery and thanked them for their investment in Garrett County.
Omar thanked everyone for their support and gave recognition to Deep Creek Farmers Market for giving Wild Ember Bread its start. Omar expressed his happiness and pride at being part of the community. He also mentioned the desire to hold baking classes and educate people on healthy organic bread that supports local farmers. Janine conveyed her pride in Omar and spoke about how welcoming and encouraging the community has been. She also thanked their family for all the support they’ve received.
Garrett County Diplomats Steve Bortz, Anne Davidson, David Jochynek, Patty Manown Mash, Connor Norman, Sarena Rodeheaver, Kristin Skeweris, Josh Slone, and Emily Tobin presented Omar and Janine with their First Dollar of Profit and assisted in the official ribbon cutting.
“What a wonderful accomplishment for Omar and Janine to grow their business from setting up at the Deep Creek Lake Farmers Market to a brick-and-mortar location,” said Andrew Fike, President of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce. “I can also report that the Chamber staff absolutely loved the cookies and bread I brought back to the office after this wonderful ribbon cutting! All of our best from here at the Chamber of Commerce to Omar and Janine!”
Located at 2150 Friendsville Road, in the Markets on 42 plaza, Wild Ember Bread is a small-scale bakery with a mission to bring healthy, delicious bread to the Garrett County community. They use all organic flour, and regionally sourced heritage wheat varieties whenever possible. Wild Ember Bread loves to support farmers who grow organic grain and who believe in leaving the soil and environment healthier than it was when they got there. The majority of their hearth loaves are naturally leavened and whole grain.
For more information visit Wild Ember Bread’s website at wildemberbread.com or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
