KNOX, Pa. (EYT) — Early next Wednesday morning the smell of freshly baked goodies returns to Knox with the reopening of the Knox Bakery by new owner Kristina Taylor.

Taylor purchased the legendary bakery from Lee Stewart who operated it for 35½ years, and she plans to follow the same recipes that have been passed down from owner to owner over the years since 1921.

Taylor says she is excited and ready for the challenge starting on March 29 when doors reopen at the traditional 5:00 a.m. Kristina graduated from West Forest High School in 2011 and from IUP and Punxsutawney with degrees in Culinary Arts and Baking/Pastry. She has worked for several bakeries in the Pittsburgh area for the past four years.

Along with the baking education and experience, she brings along plenty of local connections. Her mother, Regina Monrean Taylor, grew up in the Knox area, and her grandmother, Shirley Monrean, still lives in Knox. Her great uncle is Corny Stover, owner of Stover’s Auto Services on the edge of town, and her aunt still owns Knox Auto.  A great, great aunt even lived in an upstairs apartment of the bakery building.

“I’ve always done baking with my grandma,” says Taylor about her love for her profession. “I like baking because it is repetitive in a way, but it takes consistency to make everything the same, and I’m kind of a perfectionist, and I like everything neat and clean and all the same.”

Kristina’s attitude is perfect for following the recipes.

“Kristina has the foundational skills in baking and cake decorating, the experience needed to begin her future as the new owner,” said Stewart. “I will be guiding and helping her begin. She will be using the same formulas and procedures we have always followed. The products that you know and love will remain the same. Praise the lord!”

Business hours will remain the same and include: Tuesday to Friday 5:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Saturday 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and closed Sunday and Monday. The phone number is also the same, 814-797-1154.