By Danielle Haynes
The Tonawanda News
— — Lisa Courtney, owner of The Courtney Bakeshop at 727 Oliver St. likes to joke that she was born with a piece of chocolate in her hand.
It would be no surprise if she was — Lisa’s family owned Grandison’s Candy at the Broadway Market for about 60 years before it closed in 2003.
Confectionery is in Lisa’s blood, but her talents lie more in cakes and pastries than in chocolates and candies. The Town of Tonawanda resident graduated with a certificate in NCCC’s baking and pastry arts program in 2008.
“It was a great program,” Lisa said. “It really taught me the chemistry of baking, and took (my abilities) to the next level. I feel like I already had a good core from my parents … my mother was an excellent baker.”
Lisa and her husband Mike — who handles the cleaning up and dishes while Lisa focuses on baking— opened up the Oliver Street bakery in November but the two never imagined they’d be opening a store front.
