July 19, 2021

Get to Know: Matthew Baum of Festin Bakery

The New York native expounds on his pop-up pastry business

By Jenna Aurelius

Potato bourekas made by Matthew Baum of Festin Bakery. Photo courtesy

After residing in Charlotte for only a year, Matthew Baum has already made an impression on Charlotte’s local pastry scene. Baum’s specialties include French, Jewish and Italian breads, as well as other international pastries. Although Baum may be an avid sports fan, his true passion lies in the kitchen.

Matthew Baum of Festin Bakery. Photo courtesy

What is your hometown?
New York, New York

Do you own any pets?
Yes, I have a pup named Jake and his little feline brother is Ollie.

Who are your sports teams?
Yankees, Giants, Knicks, Islanders, and Chelsea Football Club

How long have you lived in Charlotte?
My wife and I moved down in the summer of 2020, so just about a year.

Tell us about your business/specialities.
I opened up my pop-up bakery at the end of 2020 with the goal of bringing high quality, locally sourced breads and pastries to the greater Charlotte area.

Did you have a career before you started your business?
I started my career in the non-profit sector working in the development department of a reading-based mentorship program in New York City. I decided after a few years that I wanted to follow my passion and become a pastry chef, so I applied for a job at Breads Bakery in Union Square where I started my journey.

What is your favorite product to bake?
I love making Challah, which is a traditional braided Jewish bread similar to brioche. It has tremendous cultural significance and I try to do it justice by using local flour, eggs, and dairy.

What is your most popular product you sell?
Our fan favorites so far have been our Chocolate Sea Salt Tarts and our Cinnamon Babka. We’re excited to introduce our menu of seasonal gelatos this summer at the Davidson Farmers Market and at the concert series at Hodges Family Farm.

What inspired you to start your pop-up business?
Upon arriving in Charlotte and seeing the incredible raw materials being produced on a local level, I knew that there was an opportunity to offer a top product, which is always my goal. It reminds me of the old-world style of cooking seen throughout Europe and in some of the world’s best bakeries. Getting to know the people who are growing your peaches, flour, and eggs goes into being able to offer a product that supports your community and you know is made with quality and care.

What are your main goals you are hoping to accomplish?
My goal is to introduce the classic French, Jewish, and Italian breads and pastries I grew up eating to a new market using local ingredients and supporting local farmers and producers.

What do you think the Charlotte food scene needs?
I’ve been really impressed by the Charlotte agricultural scene and am excited to see it continue to grow. I hope to see more ways to have easy access to local farmers and artisanal producers for both small business owners like myself and for the public at large.

Where can we find/purchase your products?
You can find me every Saturday at the Davidson Farmers Market and Thursday nights at the Hodges Family Farm. You can also sign up for our weekly Challah Club service for pick up and local deliveries on Fridays. Stay up to date on our Instagram and website.