Delectable Baking Co. is officially open for business

What began as an idea to make a little extra money during the pandemic has turned in to full-fledged business for Xandria and Dominic Molinari.

The married couple celebrated the grand opening of Delectable Baking Co. Tuesday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at their shop on Northern Blvd.

Delectable Baking Co. began in the Molinari kitchen three years ago.

“During the pandemic, I had just given birth to my second child and we were really just needing some extra income,” Xandria Molinari said. “So I was like, ‘You know what, I’m a trained pastry chef. Let me make some cinnamon rolls and sell them to our neighbors.’ And that’s what we started with. And I was like, ‘You know what, let’s throw some cakes in there, too.'”

Delectable Baking Co. eventually outgrew the home kitchen with Molinari holding pop-up events to sell her baked goods. Demand led the Molinari family to open a brick-and-mortar shop at 2740 Northern Blvd. NE.

The shop specializes in half-pound cookies, luxury cakes and gourmet desserts.

County Commissioners Dave Heil, Jay Block and Michael Meek and Rio Rancho Regional Chamber of Commerce CEO Jerry Schalow were among the more than two dozen in attendance to fete Delectable Baking Co.

“This is great news to have you here in our neighborhood. On behalf of the county, we’d like to welcome you and thank you for your contribution in terms of economic development and a nice coffee joint on Northern; we really like that,” Meek said. “And this is especially important to me. This is my district. I have district three, which is the center of Rio Rancho. So I know a lot of people from where I live in Loma Colorado — and elsewhere — will be coming down to see the bakery.”

Delectable Bakery also offers custom orders on cakes. The bakery is open from 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

“We’re excited that you’re here in this spot. One thing Rio Rancho does lack is some bakeries with some awesome cookies and all kinds of pastries,” Schalow said. “I’m excited about your new endeavor, getting this business off the ground and making a difference in our community. I know it’s a big challenge, but you’re definitely on board. So congratulations on your opening, and we look forward to great things.”