OUR STORY
From Plates by Post to Ocelot Cafe & Bakery
In early 2020, based out of a Cleveland apartment, an instagram page was born; introducing @platesbypost. To it, a foodie couple began posting pictures of their kitchen creations, generally sourced via weekly West Side Market grocery runs.
During this time, Liz tapped into the art and science of baking. This baking fascination quickly turned into an obsession, with every project being documented via @platesbypost. Within the year, their followers were requesting to buy those creations. Liz began offering a brief bakery menu via the @platesbypost platform, and Jason would then deliver them to friends and family. With further motivation from a family member, Plates by Post LLC was born.
In late 2020, they relocated to Akron with the intention of . They immediately registered their home for a Home Bakery License. After approval, they started providing pastries for the 2021 Medina Farmers’ Market as well as providing wholesale products to restaurants and vendors throughout the Cuyahoga Valley. Wholesale kept them busy along with completing weekly home-bakery orders including custom cakes, weekly breads, holiday orders, and other miscellaneous baked goods. On top of their own venture, Jason briefly worked the night shift making bread at a local bakery, learning some of their processes and tricks along the way. Liz worked day shifts at that same bakery, filling their shelves with sweet pastries.
By the end of 2021, Plates by Posts demand was rapidly outpacing supply and space, so In April of 2022, Liz and Jason left their bakery day jobs, put a pause on custom orders, and purchased the former Richfield Gourmet Café. This became the new location for Plates by Post, which eventually turned to Ocelot Cafe & Bakery after a several month rebrand process.
From focaccia and flakey pastries, to soups and salads - the Ocelot menu focuses on food made from scratch, made daily, a rotating local coffee menu and exceptionally quick service – though guests are encouraged to cozy up by the fireplace and stay awhile! The team of 10 now operates the café six days a week and has become a destination staple in Northeast Ohio.
Read more about Ocelot's journey:
Bakers transform Richfield eatery into Ocelot Café
Ocelot Cafe & Bakery | Branding Design Process
