Touch of Europe had a soft opening Tuesday morning at the Central District in downtown Lima. Originally from Bulgaria, Neli Metzger created the bakery to bring pastries from across the world to her new home. A grand opening will be held Dec. 16.
Precious Grundy | The Lima News
LIMA — A part of Europe has made its way to the heart of Lima. Neli Metzger created the Touch of Europe bakery to bring pastries from across the world to her new home. Originally from Bulgaria, Metzger said she thought of the bakery after missing Europe. The bakery alongside Winans Chocolates and Coffees had a soft opening Tuesday morning in the downtown Central District. A grand opening will be held on Dec. 16.
“When I came to America 22 years ago, it was my dream to have a Bulgarian family restaurant because I saw the need,” Metzger said. “We did not have any international foods to bake. I said someday I will have one.”
Metzger also said she began to bake from home and take her treats to different businesses.
“I moved to Lima 10 years ago and started exploring options,” Metzger said. “I started a home bakery and became registered with the state. I began going to the uptown Market on Cole St. and expanded to Toys and Treasures.”
Following COVID, Metzger had the opportunity to begin working on a central location. The bakery will be filled with treats different from those traditionally found in the United States.
“You will not find chocolate chip cookies because that is not European,” Metzger said. “You can get that everywhere. I will make them but it will not be an item on my shelf. It will be all kinds of European goods. Cookies, pastries (crepes, tiramisu and more) and breads.”
Metzger said following Thanksgiving she will also have cakes by the slice or whole cakes.
Winans is located just a few steps from the bakery. The coffee shop also has various pastries and chocolates.
Store manager Johanna Wilzbach said the company is excited to be a part of the revitalization of downtown Lima.
“There are a lot of quality options,” Wilzbach said. “We roast in Ohio and all of our chocolates are made in Ohio.”
Winans will be open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. until 8 p.m. Saturdays from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. and Sundays from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. According to a post on Facebook, Touch of Europe will be open from Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For more information and updates visit Lima Central District on Facebook.
