I am the principal of a small private school in Haymarket. Due to allergies amongst our students, we strive to be a nut-free environment. I was delighted to learn of the Lemonade Bakery this fall as it claims to be able to deliver a wide variety of nut-free baked items.
This Christmas we ordered four large cakes and ten dozen Christmas cookies for several Christmas celebrations we had scheduled at the school. Kelly Stroh, owner of the Lemonade Bakery, personally spoke with me over the phone and assured me that they would be able to deliver the items we requested. At one point she also emailed me an invoice.
At 10:30 pm THE NIGHT BEFORE our first celebration, Ms. Stroh sent me an email saying that she was overwhelmed and HAD TO CANCEL ALL OF OUR ORDERS, leaving 130 children, 20 staff members, and all of their families completely in the lurch. I really had to scramble the next day, spending many stressful hours trying to make other arrangements for us to have the nut-free baked items that we needed for our events.
Thankfully, Giant Food in Haymarket was able to provide us with a large amount of nut-free (produced in a nut-free facility) cupcakes, all delicious and all beautifully decorated for Christmas - and at a FRACTION of the cost that the Lemonade Bakery was going to charge.
I have never had the opportunity to taste anything made by the Lemonade Bakery. It may be lovely, and it may be allergen-free. It certainly was a good idea, as there is a tremendous need for allergen-free baked items in this area. However - this little bakery simply cannot deliver on its promises. I urge everyone to avoid the Lemonade Bakery, as the chances are good (in my experience) that you will be very disappointed by its highly unprofessional business practices.
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