This is a July 13, 2026, contributed photo of the new location on Kanawha Terrace in St. Albans for Montanaro Cakery & Macarons. The location, at 1822 Kanawha Terrace, is planned to open July 22, 2026.
This is a July 13, 2026, contributed photo of the new location on Kanawha Terrace in St. Albans for Montanaro Cakery & Macarons. The location, at 1822 Kanawha Terrace, is planned to open July 22, 2026.
Courtesy photo
A popular bakery in St. Albans has been closed since July 4 to move the business to a larger location to better meet increasing demand for its cakes, macarons and other baked delights.
Montanaro Cakery & Macarons will soon reopen at 1822 Kanawha Terrace, less than a mile from its original location that opened in the fall of 2023 at 2424 Kanawha Terrace.
“For those who know, we have been planning on moving into a larger location for a while now, so we will be closed until we have everything in perfect condition for you guys,†owners Greg Polsinelli and Jacob Shaffer announced to customers. “These past three years have been beyond words with the love and support we have received from you guys, and we just can’t be more grateful.â€
They plan a soft opening for July 22-24 and a grand opening July 25.
Montanaro’s regular hours are 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Wednesday through Friday, and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For more information, call 304-488-8297, wvcakery.comÌý
Crepizza in Trace Fork reopens after fire
The rotating oven at Crepizza in ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä is shown on July 7, 2026.
Courtesy photo
Crepizza at 100 RHL Blvd. at Trace Fork in ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä reopened its doors last Wednesday after a fire in April damaged the kitchen, forcing the restaurant to close for a few months.
Co-owner Manoli Stavrulakis said in addition to repairing fire damage, the family took advantage of the setback to reimagine and improve a few things at the restaurant, including replacing the old oven with a new rotating pizza oven.
The restaurant serves a Greek and Italian-inspired fusion menu featuring sweet and savory crepes, pizzas, pastas and more.
Crepizza is open from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. For more information, call 304-746-4040, visit crepizza.com or facebook.com/crepizza.
After 18 months in business — and just a week after posting new operating hours — Hagy’s Irish Pie Pub at 908 Quarrier St. in downtown ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä has closed.
In a pointed post on Facebook last Wednesday, the restaurant cited several factors that led to its demise, including fighting against contractors, fallout from a social media post made by the owner, a lack of community support past Capitol Street and heavy taxes.
That divisive post in question shared owner Linda Matheny’s belief that trans athletes should not be allowed to participate on sports teams not matching their genders at birth, which led to calls to boycott Hagy’s before it even opened. Despite trying to later clarify her support of LGBTQ+ rights (and raising money for AIDS/HIV research, to combat the disease that killed her brother) the original fallout remained significant.
“Your favorite Irish pub lost the good fight,†the post concluded. “It is with heavy hearts that we are announcing we are now closed. Thanks to all who supported us this last year and a half.â€
Nomada Bakery repeats as USA Today’s No. 1 cake shop
In case you missed it, Nomada Bakery at 210 11th St. in Huntington has claimed the title of USA Today’s No. 1 Cake Shop for the second consecutive year in the publication’s 10Best Awards program.
Nominated by a panel of experts and voted on by the public, this amazing little place tucked inside Huntington’s Heritage Station serves deliciously fresh and authentic croissants, cakes and more.
“Nomada Bakery features flavors that are both foreign and familiar, thanks to baker and co-owner Ariel Barcenas' delicious innovation,†USA Today said in announcing the repeat win. “The menu is comprised of tarts bursting with fresh fruit, decadent chocolate tortes and incredible cakes. One popular menu item is the Alfacake, a yellow cake with Swiss buttercream and dulce de leche crowned with an alfajor, a traditional Latin American sandwich cookie. Can't decide? Order a box of baby cakes in an assortment of flavors.â€
Nomada is open from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. For more information, call 681-204-5528, visit nomadabakery.com or check out the bakery’s Facebook page.
More restaurants open or on the way
Almost Heaven Nutrition has opened at 1106 Fledderjohn Road in ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä’s Ashton Place shopping center, offering a large variety of protein shakes, iced protein coffees, loaded teas, acai bowls, protein waffle cups and other protein-heavy baked goods. The shop is open from 7 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Pulp Juice and Smoothie Bar will soon open at 3708 MacCorkle Ave. SE in Kanawha City, serving more than 30 smoothies, plus fresh-squeezed juices, wraps, bowls and more.
A third regional location of Wingstop is coming to Southridge, at the south end of the shopping center that includes Aldi and David’s Bridal, beside Panera Bread. It joins current locations at 5707 MacCorkle Ave. in Kanawha City and 105 Liberty Square in Hurricane, serving chicken wings, tenders and sandwiches.
Steven Keith is a food writer and restaurant critic known as “The Food Guy.†Reach him at 304-380-6096 or atÌýwvfoodguy@aol.com.
