NORTHPORT — Though the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect small business across the state, one Waldo County business opened up a new space for its business this month and celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday, Oct. 22. 

The Scone Goddess, on Verona Street in Northport, launched in August 2019 and offers wholesale and direct to consumer fresh scones and scone mixes with product being shipped across the United States. 

Though the business formally launched in 2019 with freshly baked scones being sold at a farmers market, owner Veronica Stubbs began making scones a few years ago when operating a bed and breakfast. With the scones yielding rave reviews from customers, Stubbs opted to start selling a mix.  

The business has seen exponential growth, according to Stubbs, and opening a shop to work out of is the next chapter for the business. 

“My new space is actually an extension of my home production kitchen,” said Stubbs. “When the pandemic affected the way people could shop, I started offering curbside pick up of my fresh scones and premium mixes. Additionally, the web traffic started to increase enough that I was running out of production space in the kitchen. I realized quickly that more space was needed in order to keep up with production. The idea of renovating the garage was appealing as it allowed people to drive right up where they can see me at work and I can see them. Even just a run out to someone’s car for a delivery and a quick hello through our masks keeps me motivated. The people connection is really important to me.” 

The Scone Goddess now creates over 20 varieties of premium scone mixes that are also available in its exclusive gluten free recipe, a result of Stubbs’ daughter becoming gluten intolerant. 

With so many options to choose from, PenBayPilot.com asked Stubbs what flavors she would recommend to a new customer. 

“I really enjoy creating yummy flavor combinations,” commented Stubbs. “A favorite combination recently is Sundried Tomato, Feta and Spinach. I always offer up the newest flavor as a recommendation as it is exciting for me to see people's reaction to my creations.”

Narrowing it down further, Stubbs commented on the most popular flavors. 

“Blueberry Lemon is the most popular flavor in fresh scones and scone mix for both the original and gluten-free recipe,” she said. “A close second is Raspberries & Cream, followed by Cranberry Orange. People recently discovered our Chocolate Scones. You can't feel guilty eating one of these tender chocolatey scones, because, scones have far less sugar than the majority of baked goods. Scones for breakfast sounds even better now, right?” 

Orders for fresh scones must be placed in advance online at thesconegoddess.com. Fresh scone orders are accepted as late as 9:30 a.m. for same-day pickup at 11 a.m.

Packages of scone mixes can also be purchased on the website and shipped to you. 

“The Scone Goddess offers the best and easiest scone mixes you will ever make,” said Stubbs. “My number one goal is increased brand recognition for both the Original and Gluten Free collections of mixes. Every fresh scone you buy from The Scone Goddess started from my mixes. You too can be a Scone Goddess in 20 minutes or less!”

As for goals heading into next year, Stubbs is looking forward to continued growth for the business. 

“The goal for the rest of 2020 and into 2021 is to expand the wholesale business and the products within the brand,” said Stubbs, who noted she is actively looking for a suitable location for a retail store with the idea of franchising in the future.

As the year winds down, Stubbs is thankful for the support her business has been shown by the Midcoast. 

“We love seeing you and we love your ideas,” said Stubbs. “We have so much gratitude for our community and for the other small businesses that have supported, advised, sampled and shared the word about The Scone Goddess. Thank you for your enthusiasm!”