Chanticleer Bakery & Eatery: A Family Affair

Fresh baked summer Tomto Pie

Chanticleer Bakery & Eatery has quickly made a name for themselves in the South Walton community with food to crow about! Today, June 18, 2013, they are celebrating their first birthday with a party at their eatery on 55 Clayton Lane in Grayton Beach. Husband and wife team Suzanne Wilson and Joseph Arnold, unexpectedly joined forces with their daughter and son-in-law, Emily and Sandro Wever, opening a bountiful bakery and café in the Shops of Grayton.

Their story began when Joseph and his wife Suzanne traveled across Europe in 2003. French markets and Parisian bakery’s offering fresh produce, baguettes and pastries, gave the couple inspiration for a better way of life. It was not until a return trip in 2007 that they decided to commit to making healthy changes, with Joseph claiming, “ We needed that wake up call. We returned home and started eating fresh foods, gardening and baking.”

My favorite Cobb Salad

As time passed, Suzanne felt like the couple might one day have their own bakery, but Joseph thought it to be far fetched. They began selling their delectable bread creations and produce at The Seaside Farmers Market in 2009, and Joseph says,  “Customers went crazy over the Honey Oatmeal Bread, which is still a big seller.  I made this particular bread, as I’m Diabetic and was looking for a white bread substitute for sandwiches. During tomato season, I have to have a sandwich!” The Beer Bread, originally a grain, turned beverage, and then to food as Joseph claims, is also quite popular. He selects different beers for robust flavors, making each loaf unique.

With the bread business booming it was no longer practical to bake at home (more…)