Sweet start: Holyoke bakery offers traditional treats, comfort food

HOLYOKE ― Guava pastries, tembleque, fresh sandwiches and creamy flan are just a taste of what Jireh Delights Bakery and Restaurant is serving up as the city's newest spot for comfort food.

Jireh Delights Bakery and Restaurant at 172 Sargeant St. is run by Ismarie Monge and Manuel Rivera, and it's built on family traditions, according to a statement from the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce.

Jireh Delights Bakery and Restaurant opened its doors on Monday in Holyoke. (Douglas Hook / The Republican)Douglas Hook

Their goal is to serve fresh food with friendly service in a space where neighbors can relax, share a meal and feel at home, they said in the statement.

The menu items vary — from flaky pastries and warm breads to stacked sandwiches and hot breakfast and lunch plates — all crafted to bring Holyoke a taste of tradition with fresh ingredients.

Monge's signature treats and lunch includes almond cake, tembleque ― coconut custard ― and a lunch sandwich that is layered in different kinds of deli meat served on warm homemade bread, she said.

Owners Ismarie and Manuel Rivera opened their doors to Jireh Delights Bakery and Restaurant on Monday. They offer freshly baked breads, pastries, homemade sandwiches and daily hot prepared foods. (Douglas Hook / The Republican)Douglas Hook

Monge, originally from Puerto Rico, started baking in 2011.

Over 14 years, her passion grew into signature recipes that are all her own creation with the traditional flavors of the island, she said.

In 2023, she started baking for local events, and demand soared enough to bring Rivera on board.

Together, they shaped a vision for a bakery that reflects their culture, values and the heart behind Jireh Delights.

Monge and Rivera chose Holyoke for Jireh Delights because of family ties, local friendships and the city's rich diversity.

It marked its grand opening Monday with a ribbon cutting attended by Mayor Joshua Garcia and interim Chamber Director Lisa Totz.

Monge said business has been good since the opening, with more than 400 customers stopping in.

Jireh Delights Bakery and Restaurant opened its doors on Monday. It's owned by Ismarie and Manuel Rivera. The business is both a bakery and restaurant, with a menu for breakfast and lunch. The menu features freshly baked breads, pastries, homemade sandwiches and daily hot prepared foods. (Douglas Hook / The Republican)Douglas Hook

Read the original article on MassLive . Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here .