How often do you hear "former Marine and cupcake man" in the same sentence? I had the privilege to meetChad, owner of 4 & 20 Bakers, the first Veteran Owned bakery and delivery service in the Capital District. Let me tell you, his mini cupcake creations are amazing!

Chadhas a strong belief in local community and his "Pay it Forward" convictions guide him in assisting where able. I spoke withChadregarding some ideas for our 30th BIRTHDAY Party. Of course, I could just pick and purchase 4 & 20 Bakers amazing mini cupcakes. But our celebration on September, 8th is more than that!

In the spirit of creativity and vision that Vito and Lenore exercised in creating Albergo Allegria, we will be launching our Young Entrepreneur's Scholarship available for a qualifying 2013 graduate. 

In recognition of this new venture, 4 & 20 Bakers will partner with Albergo Allegria. Two amazing young ladies in our area currently offer cupcakes to family and friends for donations to their college fund. The girls will "shadow"Chadin the Albergo Allegria kitchen to create Mini Cupcakes of Happiness that will be featured at the 30th BITRTHDAY Party. 

These students will have the opportunity to learn from this "former Marine turned cupcake man" as they execute ideas from scratch to frosted finish.

4 & 20 Bakers had an interesting start up.Chad had a really cool job as a Department of Defense contractor helping his military brothers, sisters and their families prepare for and endure cycles of deployment to places likeIraqandAfghanistan. 

His contract ended and he was given a little over a week's notice that his job was eliminated. That same week he lost his mom.

Chadrecalls, "Somewhere between Shock and Denial and Acceptance and Hope, my inner- Marine kicked back in and I changed my perspective to, "I can do anything I want to do!" Looking back at my resume to where my interests have led me, I noticed three things; food, fitness and people.

I began researching organic farming and ways to have more fun with food, such as using molecular gastronomy, gluten-free cooking, vegan diets and sugar free baking."

"Instead of bringing a dish to family and friends parties and gatherings",Chadcontinues, "I brought several dishes. Soon, friends started asking me to cater their events and everything changed. Last summer I catered a wedding. I provided a savory menu for four days of meals from breakfasts to desserts for the wedding party. I was hooked."

He began sharing family recipes handed down to him with close friends. The focus soon shifted to desserts and cupcakes and 4 & 20 Bakers was born; currently in 5 sites and in 2 cities! Between baking, he is working on a plan to ship them nationwide.  You can check out 4&20 Bakers website on their Facebook.com platform.  

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