Retail and Development

A new bakery specializing in sourdough and gluten-free goods is opening in Charlotte

The Accidental Baker opens March 29 at the Metropolitan shopping center.
The Accidental Baker opens March 29 at the Metropolitan shopping center.

A new bakery called The Accidental Baker is opening at Metropolitan, bringing new options for sourdough breads and gluten-free baked goods to midtown Charlotte.

The locally owned bakery opens March 29. It will be situated in 660+-square-foot space next to Joan’s Bakery & Deli, adjacent to the Little Sugar Creek Greenway.

Sourdough breads is among The Accidental Baker’s specialties.
Sourdough breads is among The Accidental Baker’s specialties. Elizabeth Kinne Designs

Founder Matt Cabana hasn’t been baking for long. The former tennis pro and corporate banker got started this past winter in an effort to improve gluten-free options for his wife, Caroline. Family and friends’ reactions to his creations kickstarted his creations into a business.

“I started this new venture just three months ago, initially operating out of my personal kitchen before needing a commercial kitchen to keep up with demand,” Cabana said. “I can’t wait to see where this venture goes and hope that we can continue to grow and provide our offerings to even more people.”

The Accidental Baker founder Matt Cabana spent most of his career as a tennis pro but recently shifted his focus to baking. He grew up cooking and baking in an Italian household and was inspired by his wife, Caroline, to create gluten-free options.
The Accidental Baker founder Matt Cabana spent most of his career as a tennis pro but recently shifted his focus to baking. He grew up cooking and baking in an Italian household and was inspired by his wife, Caroline, to create gluten-free options. Elizabeth Kinne Designs

At Metropolitan, The Accidental Baker will specialize in gluten-free options and sourdough, although everything on its menu can be made regularly and can often be made dairy free as well.

The menu — which uses organic ingredients such as grass-fed butter, farm-raised eggs and bottled spring water — will include all kinds of breads and seasonal options. Cookies, banana breads, custom cakes and pies will be available, too.

“Matt’s story is one-of-a-kind, and we are delighted to have him as part of our center,” said Lauren Britt, leasing manager at Northwood Retail.

The Accidental Baker’s brown butter toffee chocolate chunk cookies are available as a gluten-free option.
The Accidental Baker’s brown butter toffee chocolate chunk cookies are available as a gluten-free option. Elizabeth Kinne Designs

The Accidental Baker

Location: Metropolitan, 1100 Metropolitan Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204

Menu

Cuisine: Bakery, gluten-free

Hours: Friday through Sunday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Instagram: @the_accidental_bakr

This story was originally published February 27, 2024 at 12:26 PM.

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Heidi Finley
The Charlotte Observer
Heidi Finley is a writer and editor for CharlotteFive and the Charlotte Observer. Outside of work, you will most likely find her in the suburbs driving kids around, volunteering and indulging in foodie pursuits. Support my work with a digital subscription
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