NewsFrom the lakes to the mountains, from Lebanon to Littleton, Grafton County is a diverse and thriving community. In this new segment, the team at GRDC spends some time with our region’s small businesses; what made them go into business? How are they supporting their neighbors, and in turn, how is the community supporting them? What advice do they have for startups?
Join us every month as we talk to a different small business in Grafton County.
The Moon Cafe and Bakery
Lincoln, NH
Rebecca Golding, owner
GRDC: Welcome to our next Small Business Spotlight! Today we’re speaking with Rebecca Golding from The Moon Bakery. Rebecca, it’s great to talk with you! First things first, tell me a little about The Moon.
Rebecca: Hi, happy to be doing this!
The Moon is a bakery and café located in Lincoln, NH. We offer breakfast and lunch daily, catering, treats, and of course, coffee. Everything we make is made with premium quality ingredients, and most things are made from scratch.
GRDC: I’ve seen pictures of your goodies! Might be worth a trip up to Lincoln for one of those cinnamon buns! What’s your most popular item?
REBECCA: Definitely the cinnamon buns!
GRDC: So what’s your “origin story”?
Rebecca: HA! Well, actually- my former partner turned to me and said, “want to open a shop with me in Lincoln?” and I said, “Where’s Lincoln?”. I was 21 and wanted to be part of something bigger than myself; it seemed like a great opportunity, and I’m so glad I said “yes.”
GRDC: What drew you both to Lincoln?
Rebecca: I guess it was just on a whim. He (my former partner) had an interest in Lincoln, so we gave it a shot. I moved from Piermont to run the business, as it needed full-time attention to take it to the next level.
GRDC: That’s great! What happened next?
Rebecca: After a few years, I went fully on my own. A couple of years later, I bought another business, Udderly Delicious, an ice cream shop right across the street. I can literally stand at each front door and see the other business across the road.
GRDC: Ice cream and cinnamon buns a few hundred feet apart? Good thing there are so many opportunities in Lincoln to burn off calories. You recently expanded as well, right?
Rebecca: YES! Despite the pandemic, we’ve been busier than ever. People find comfort in eating good food, and with all of the stress and uncertainty in the world right now, this is a place people can come.
I love how the community has really come together over the last several months.
GRDC: It’s wonderful that you’re able to provide this safe place for the public while still satisfying all of those sugar cravings out there and caffeine needs. You also recently changed the business name from Peaked Moon.
Rebecca: Peaked Moon is a farm on the Connecticut River in Piermont, and the business started as a market for the farm. Over the years, the business has changed and evolved based on customer’s needs and preferences, operating more as a coffee shop and bakery. It felt like the right time to establish its own identity, independent from the farm.
GRDC: What’s next for The Moon?
Rebecca: I love that we’re providing good food and fun jobs for the community and hope to keep doing so for years to come! We also have started thinking about hosting some community events, cooking classes, and maybe even selling some of our products in local stores and restaurants. That’s all in the early stages still, especially with the pandemic- but I hope it’s on the horizon.
GRDC: With the holidays right around the corner, any specials people might want to know about?
Rebecca: Yes, pies, dinner rolls, and breads will all be available to order. And don’t forget to pick up some cinnamon buns too!
GRDC: Rebecca, as a successful business owner, what would you tell someone just starting out, or even thinking about starting out?
Rebecca: When you wake up and make a plan for your day, just know your day will never actually go as planned. I started this journey when I was 21; by 24 was entirely on my own and at 27 bought another business. Baby steps are crucial; start with what you know you can handle and grow from there.
GRDC: Fantastic advice! It’s a great reminder; no one knows how to do everything; ask for help.
Rebecca: GRDC has been very supportive along the way; from flexible lending terms to helping me find resources through the SBA, it’s nice to know that no matter what, they’ll be there to help.
GRDC: Thank you, Rebecca; we’re very proud of all of our loan clients and thrilled you’re doing so well!
And thank you for taking the time to speak to us; it’s been great catching up and hearing about all of your exciting changes!
The Moon Café and Bakery is open daily from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM; find them at 28 S. Mountain Drive in Lincoln. Or visit their website to learn more and see some of their tasty treats!
