Located just up the road, in a new space in the heart of Marshdale, Suz Cookie Jar Rescue Bakery & Bites stands as a vibrant example of perseverance, community camaraderie, and the pursuit of dreams. The bakery, a beloved local establishment, has become a hub for delicious homemade treats and a symbol of perseverance through adversity. The journey of Sue van Welzen-Mueller and her daughter Jacquie Cook, both Bailey residents and active Chamber members, and their bakery is one of remarkable transformation, rooted in the simple yet profound desire to bring joy and comfort through baking.

A Journey of Resilience and Reinvention

Sue's story begins in 2002, a challenging year when she and her husband lost their cellular construction business. With their son Joh only a year old, Sue faced a pivotal decision: how to balance work and family life without resorting to daycare. She turned to baking, a skill she had honed over the years, and began crafting homemade goodies from her kitchen.

"I started baking early in the morning and made baskets of cinnamon rolls, muffins, cookies, and mini breads," Sue recalls. "I delivered them to local offices in Bailey that had no breakfast options. Everything was warm and fresh when they got it."

For about a year and a half, Sue juggled multiple jobs, including daycare, while delivering her baked goods. However, the demands became overwhelming, leading her to step back from baking. Yet, the seed was planted, and the community's appreciation for her treats lingered.

Revival and Growth

Years later, after moving to California and returning to Bailey, Sue decided to give her baking venture another shot. Encouraged by friends and family, she obtained a cottage kitchen license in 2018. The idea of a "cookie jar rescue" emerged when she posted on Facebook, asking if anyone would buy a vintage cookie jar filled with homemade cookies. The response was overwhelming, and Suz Cookie Jar Rescue was born.

"People loved the idea," Sue explains. "I started doing summer markets at King’s Emporium, using Ziploc bags and index cards for ingredients. It was humble beginnings, but it was a start. We would go out routinely and look for unique cookies jars everywhere - from estate sales, to antique stores, thrift shops and garage sales. Once people knew what we were doing, they would help us find them.”

The onset of COVID-19 in 2020 turned into an unexpected boon for the business. With more time at home, Sue expanded her menu, offering breads, cinnamon rolls, and other time-consuming delights. The business grew, and Sue's 900-square-foot house transformed into a bustling bakery.

"My house was packed with ovens and shelves and my husband called it a bakery with bedrooms” Sue says with a laugh. "It was crazy, but we managed to grow during the pandemic."

Overcoming Adversity

The turning point for Sue's business came on February 28, 2022. While working part-time at the Mountain Resource Center unloading a crate of cabbage, she suffered a traumatic brain injury when the heavy loading cart flipped and the steel handle hit her in the head. The incident left her unable to walk for several days, reliant on a cane for six months, and struggling with memory issues.

"I couldn't drive or talk properly," Sue remembers. "It was a tough time, but my daughter Jacquie stepped in to help."

Up to then, Jacquie had a full-time demanding job elsewhere, but helped out as needed at the bakery. After Sue’s injury, Jacquie's involvement became crucial. She helped manage the bakery and take on more baking duties while Sue recovered, ensuring the business stayed afloat. As Sue was recovering, the duo faced a few challenges, including a somewhat unfortunate kite festival in Arvada in April, where their carefully crafted kite-shaped chocolate treats melted into a “chocolate mud puddles” under the intense Colorado sun. They laugh about it now, but at the time, not so much. Despite the numerous setbacks, they persevered.

The Birth of the Brick and Mortar

Sue's decision to establish a brick-and-mortar bakery materialized after a windstorm sent her expensive, custom-made pink tent aloft and rolling down the hill during a holiday bake sale in December 2021. Tired of the "tent life," Sue signed a lease for a physical location at Delwood Square in Bailey on December 31, 2021. The journey to open the bakery was fraught with delays, including slow-moving contractors and then Sue's injury. However, they pushed through and celebrated their grand opening on May 1, 2022.

"It was an emotional day," Sue says. "We cried a lot, but we pulled it off with the support of our family."

The bakery thrived, growing its wholesale side and attracting numerous customers. Two years later, after their lease was not renewed in Bailey, they moved in April and held their grand reopening at the new space in Marshdale on May 22, 2024. Moving to the new larger space in Marshdale (right next to Marshall Burgers) was a decision that has significantly impacted their business and direction.  

A Vision for the Future

The new location offers more retail frontage, a seating area inside and on an outdoor deck - which allows them to focus more on direct retail sales. The new location boosts a larger kitchen, more storage and better visibility and foot traffic. The shift to a retail focus means the bakery now boasts seven employees and a vibrant, community-focused, family-friendly environment. Sue and Jacquie’s vision for the bakery emphasizes supporting local businesses and creating a welcoming space for customers. A sign on the entry door sums up their motto - “Here you’re family”. 

Dozens of whimsical cookie jars line the new shelving in the store creating a fun, colorful display and keeping the roots of the business at the forefront. “While we now offer a much wider selection of goods, you can still stop in and pick up a cookie jar and fill it with your favorite treat.” Jacquie emphasized.  

“In addition to our homemade goodies, we feature local products like Paula's tea from Polita’s Place, Daddy's Homemade Syrups, and Michelle Nortnik’s (MN Designs) teddy bears and aprons," Jacquie explains. "It's important to us to support the people who helped us get here."

The bakery now offers breakfast and lunch, with all items made from scratch using fresh ingredients. Popular offerings include calzones, sandwiches, pizza bagels, and mac and cheese. Sue and Jacquie take pride in their creations and continuously strive to improve their recipes based on customer feedback.

Celebrating Achievements

One of the bakery's significant achievements came in September 2022, when Sue's green chili cheddar bread won a bronze award at the Tiptree International Bread Competition in Las Vegas. Jacquie, who now works full time in the business, has honed her baking skills over the years, shares the pride in their accomplishments.

"My biggest personal achievement is how far I've come with my own baking skills," Jacquie says. "We've had people tell us that my cakes have improved significantly. We're always open to feedback and eager to make things better."

Community Engagement and Support

Suz Cookie Jar Rescue Bakery and Bites thrives on community support and word-of-mouth recommendations. Social media plays a vital role in keeping customers informed about new offerings and events. The bakery also hosts custom orders and themed parties, ensuring a personalized experience for every customer.

"What can people do to help? Keep supporting us and spread the word," Sue emphasizes. "We had people at Bailey Days say they didn’t want to drive to Marshdale, but it's not that far. Your support means everything to us."

The bakery's success is also attributed to its dedicated staff and the unwavering support of Sue and Jacquie's spouses. Their collective effort has created a warm, family-friendly environment that customers cherish.

Looking Ahead

As Sue and Jacquie reflect on their journey, they remain grateful for the community's support and excited about the future. The addition of a soft-serve ice cream machine this week, offering rotating flavors, is one of the many innovations they plan to introduce.

"Our goal is to keep growing and serving our community," Sue says. "Every step we've taken has been guided by the support we receive. We're here because of our community, and we're committed to giving back in every way we can."

Suz Cookie Jar Rescue Bakery & Bites stands as a beacon of resilience, community, and the power of pursuing one's passion. Through trials and triumphs, Sue and Jacquie have built a beloved local institution that continues to bring joy and delicious treats to their community.

Stop in and visit Suz Cookie Jar Rescue Bakery & Bites at 6921 Hwy 73 in Marshdale next to Marshdale Burgers. They are open Tuesday through Friday 7am to 5pm and Saturday and Sunday 9am to 4pm. Visit https://scjrbakery.com and find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Suzcookiejarrescue or Instagram @suzcookiejarrescue