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Former Cake Boss Employee Opens Own Bakery In Rutherford

RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Renee Faris, formerly of Carlo’s Bakery and seen on TLC’s Cake Boss, is enjoying being her own boss.

Faris zests a Meyer lemon -- a mix of orange and lemon.

Faris zests a Meyer lemon -- a mix of orange and lemon.

Photo Credit: Alexis Tarrazi
Renee Faris opens Erie Coffee Bakery in Rutherford.

Renee Faris opens Erie Coffee Bakery in Rutherford.

Photo Credit: Alexis Tarrazi
A gift from a loyal customer.

A gift from a loyal customer.

Photo Credit: Alexis Tarrazi

Originally from Wayne, Faris opened Erie Coffee Bakery on Franklin Avenue in Rutherford in May and already has a following from all over New Jersey and New York.

“They have amazing coffee!” exclaimed Brianna Monti who stops in the shop every day on her way from South Orange to work in Mahwah. “And her food is awesome!”

Faris said it’s not unusual for customers to hang out at the shop all day long. She pointed to gifts from customers such as an "Erie" replica train car.

Her biggest fan is her mom, Vera, who helps out in the shop.

“I remember when she was seven years old," Vera Faris said. "We were in New York City in front of Magnolia’s Bakery and Renee looked into the glass store front at all of the treats and said, ‘Mommy, when I get older I want a store like this’.”

Faris attended ICE (Institute for Culinary Education) in New York and then began working in Carlo’s Bakery in Hoboken. She moved on to work at a number of places in California and New York City before opening her own shop.

“I think it’s amazing that she owns her business,” Vera said. “You have to do what you are passionate about in life.”

Erie offers locally ground coffee from Cafe Grumpy and is taking orders for Thanksgiving pies such as Buttermilk Sweet Potato, Apple Cinnamon, Bourbon Pecan and more.

“Our menu is constantly changing,” Faris said. “It blows people’s minds.”

Faris credits her love of food to her family.

“I have a Middle Eastern background where we never went out to eat,” Faris said. “All of the women would cook in the kitchen and we would have a feast for our entire family. It would make me legitimately happy.”

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