FAQ

+ WHERE IS YOUR LOCATION/STOREFRONT/SPACE?

Our bakery is located at 717 1st Street in Snohomish; we are kiddy corner from Looking Glass Coffee, the Carnegie, and on the same block as Unknown Tattoo and Spada Farmhouse Brewery, on the corner of First Street and Cedar Avenue. Grain is present at farmers markets all summer long as well as the year-round Capitol Hill Farmers Market, and when it’s not COVID, vends at specialty festivals and markets, caters 2-3 weddings a weekend, and does pop up shops and pairing events throughout the year. Any markets or events are posted on Facebook under the Events tab of the business page.

+ IS GRAIN GLUTEN-FREE CERTIFIED?

There is currently NO gluten in our kitchen. We are not currently a gluten-free licensed kitchen, but we are in the process of becoming certified. Until we are certified, we will continue to say that consuming our gluten-free products comes at your own risk. We do successfully serve many Celiac clients, especially since we have switched to being a fully (uncertified) gluten-free kitchen, however, in the end, it is up to you as the consumer. Please feel free to ask us if you have any questions on protocols or ingredient lists. You may also email the owner and pastry, Lauren, directly at: lauren@grainartisanbakery.com.

+ HOW CAN I SEE YOUR MENU FOR THE DAY?

We feature a rotating menu of pastries and cakes based on seasonally available produce. We post daily videos on our social media stories (facebook and instagram) where you can see what we have on offer for the day. We aim to post these by 9 am at the latest.

If you do not have social media or have any questions about our daily offerings, you are always welcome to give us a call Please know that our team does its best to answer the phone at all times, but when we are exceptionally busy we might not always be able to pick up. We always try to call missed calls back or listen to messages and pass on the contents to the correct employee to handle each case.

+ WHEN DO YOU HAVE CINNAMON ROLLS?

We typically make cinnamon rolls on the weekends, depending on how busy we are with custom orders and weddings, we may or may not be able to make them. We strive to make them every Saturday at least, but cannot guarantee that we always do. Feel free to give us a call on weekend mornings to check if we are making them that day. Please know that our team does its best to answer the phone at all times, but when we are exceptionally busy we might not always be able to pick up.

+ CAN I RESERVE PASTRIES?

Yes! If your order is more than a couple of days away or is for more than just a few items, we recommend placing your order through our ordering system. If you see something in our stories that you would like to reserve a small-medium amount of, you are always welcome to give us a call, and depending on the stock we will do our best to reserve your selection and have you pay over the phone. Please know that our team does its best to answer the phone at all times, but when we are exceptionally busy we might not always be able to pick up.

+ DO YOU HAVE WHOLE CAKES AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE EVERY DAY?

Unfortunately, we do not. Occasionally we will have canceled orders or special pre-made cakes or cupcake packs for holidays or special events, but the only way to ensure you will get a whole cake is by placing an order in advance. You are always welcome to give us a call to see if we have any available whole cakes on hand. Unfortunately, we cannot sell whole cakes from our cake bar that are intended for slicing throughout the day. Depending on how busy the day is we limit customers to about 8 slices from our cake bar.

+ what is your gluten-free flour??

We use multiple different flours and flour blends (all of them are gluten-free) in our different products, however, our main flour is Manini’s Multi-Purpose Gluten-Free Flour Blend. Milled out of Kent, Washington, this local flour mix is made up of ancient grains and helps create the lovely quality of our baked goods

+ CAN I PLACE AN ORDER FOR A WHOLE CAKE?

Yes! We happily accommodate as many custom-order cakes as we can.

+ HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD I PLACE MY ORDER?

We typically ask for a two-week minimum booking window for non-wedding orders. If an order is accepted within this window (or one month for weddings), there may be a 20% rush fee. Keep in mind that during peak summer season and holidays, we do book up 1-3 months in advance for small orders. We book weddings 6-18 months in advance.

+ SO HOW DO I PLACE AN ORDER OR INQUIRE ABOUT AN ORDER?

Easy! Go to our “Order” tab on the navigation bar at the top of the website, and choose the button that is correct for you - likely the custom order button, which is to be used for most orders except weddings. Fill out that inquiry form, then you will get an auto-respond email confirming we got your submission, and we will follow up with some questions and tasting options. You may reply to either of these emails to continue the conversation.

+ HOW DO I SECURE MY DATE WITH GRAIN AND WHAT IS YOUR PAYMENT POLICY?

For weddings, we require 30% of the total paid in the form of a non-refundable retainer, as well as the signed contract, to secure your date; the remaining 70% is due no later than 3 weeks prior to your wedding date, as outlined in your contract.

For custom orders, we require 50% of the total paid in the form of a non-refundable retainer, as well as the signed contract, to secure your date; the remaining 50% is due no later than 1 week prior to your event date, as outlined in your contract.

+ SO HOW MUCH DO YOUR CAKES AND DESSERTS COST?

All of our ingredients are hand-selected to be the best match - as well as strictly sourced with intention for the highest quality and sustainability standards - for our customized recipes and baking processes. Because of this process and the effort that we take to ensure the quality, as well as allergen and sensitivity precautions, you'll find that we are definitely not the cheapest cake pricing around - but it's because of these standards that we can confidently create products that we know will keep our clients that are conscious of health and wellness, quality, and sustainable agriculture happy. Our custom cakes start at $6 per serving, and common cake sizes run from 6” (12 sensible servings) to 8” (24 sensible servings); we do of course offer larger sizes, but these are the most common for birthdays and events. Wedding cakes start at $8 per serving. Desserts range based on size and cost of ingredients.

+ DO YOU OFFER FONDANT OR THEMED CAKES?

Here at Grain, we have a strict no fondant, no artificial food dyes policy. So, we don’t really offer themed cakes. We do have an incredible line of plant based food colorings that we offer, but if your heart is set on this, we can refer you to a few bakeries who specialize in this - this just isn’t something that’s part of Grain’s purpose.

+ WHAT SIZE CAKE DO I REALLY NEED TO FEED MY GUESTS?

Probably less than you think, to be honest! There are many factors to consider here. First, we usually direct in the following ways of slicing a cake and which you prefer:

wedding or event portions - cut into 1”x2” rectangles across the top, which leaves slices about 7” tall or high

party potions - cut into 2”x2” squares across the top, which leaves slices about 7” tall or high

traditional triangle birthday party style slices

We also take into consideration your friends’ and families’ preferences - are they sweets people, or are they nibblers? As well as what else will be served in the means of food - and when.

+ HOW THE HECK DO I CUT MY CAKE IN RECTANGLE SERVINGS?

Americans tend to serve huge slices of cake - we believe that more sensible slices are better for everyone. Rectangle slices look prettier on a plate, and get more servings out of your cake. The easiest way we can direct you to learn how, is to watch this video. We can also provide a serving guideline card, which shows the slice marks for 6, 8, 10 and 12 inch cakes.

Tools & Equipment Tips:

use a clean, smooth cutting board

grab yourself a heat-proof tall cup (maybe a tall coffee tumbler) filled with hot (or boiling) water

clean, smooth, sharp chef’s knife - dip the knife in the hot water and wipe clean between each slice for the smoothest cutting experience.

+ WHAT DO I DO WITH MY CAKE AFTER PICKING IT UP?

Grain cakes should be kept at room temp for a minimum of 3 hours before serving to ensure that the texture of the cake is as intended. Cold cake can seem dry (which isn’t the case), so we highly encourage letting it come to room temp. For smaller cakes, 2-3 hours may suffice, and for larger cakes, 4+ hours may be needed. Grain cakes can safely remain at room temp for up to 8 hours (high summer heat and certain types of frostings may affect this rule). During peak summer months (July and August), you may need to keep the cake in air conditioning or refrigeration until closer to your serving time.

If your pick up or delivery time is within 1-2 hours of when the cake will be consumed, please let us know - we otherwise keep your cake refrigerated until pick up or delivery, and would like to make arrangements to ensure your cake is at room temp when being served. Again, cold cake may (falsely) make it seem dry and dense.

If your cake has custom toppers (such as sails or geode designs) we will communicate how to preserve these - the refrigerator is not the way! Fresh floral, however, does best in the fridge and can wilt in high heat.

Cakes should not be transported on high temperature or even warm days without being in the passenger part of the vehicle (not the trunk) with the air conditioning on high (cake takes priority over the humans in this case!), and be sure to keep the cake away from any direct sunshine and place it near an AC vent. Sunshine and heat degrade its stability integrity (butter melts, folks). Unless it is winter time, do not leave cakes or cupcakes (or really any dessert) in the car when it is turned off (just like for our pets, vehicles turn into hot boxes). We recommend bringing some towels to roll and place around the cake box for added security, as well as bringing a vehicle with a flat storage surface (cakes should never ever go on seats). Take turns and highway on/off ramps slower than you think you need to.

+ DO YOU OFFER DELIVERY?

We only offer delivery for orders over $250 for a fee. We charge $1.25 per mile (each direction) for mileage, and $30 per hour including driving, ferry, and set-up time; there is a $75 minimum for delivery.

+ DO YOU SHIP YOUR CAKES AND PASTRIES?

We do offer shipping on a limited selection of our desserts, as well as tasting boxes.

+ Other Tid Bits?

Orders are not confirmed on our books without payment - no payment, no order.

All designs and flavor selections need to be finalized before the date when your final payment is due. Any changes after this point may incur additional charges and may not be accommodated.

+ HOW FAR IN ADVANCE ARE YOU TYPICALLY BOOKING WEDDINGS?

We are currently booking 2020 and 2021 weddings (as of March 2020), although we have very few 2020 peak openings left. Weddings booked within a one month window may incur a 20% rush surcharge.

+ OOF! SO HOW DO I INQUIRE ABOUT MY WEDDING?

Easy! Go to our “Order” tab on the navigation bar at the top of the website, and choose the wedding inquiry button. Fill out that inquiry form, then you will get an auto-respond email confirming we got your submission, and we will follow up with some questions and tasting options. You may reply to either of these emails to continue the conversation.

+ CAN I SCHEDULE A CAKE TASTING AND CONSULTATION APPOINTMENT BEFORE BOOKING?

Of course! Initial tastings are $50 and include five cake flavor samples, and are scheduled after we receive your wedding inquiry form. You will spend 45 minutes with Lauren tasting cake and discussing your big day, guest count, design, theme, ideas, and ideal flavors or dessert items. We offer custom tastings after booking your order.

+ HOW DO I SECURE MY DATE WITH GRAIN AND WHAT IS YOUR PAYMENT POLICY?

For weddings, we require 30% of the total paid in the form of a non-refundable retainer, as well as the signed contract, to secure your date; the remaining 70% is due no later than 3 weeks prior to your wedding date, as outlined in your contract.

+ SO HOW MUCH DO YOUR WEDDING CAKES COST?

All of our ingredients are hand-selected to be the best match - as well as strictly sourced with intention for the highest quality and sustainability standards - for our customized recipes and baking processes. Because of this process and the effort that we take to ensure quality, as well as allergen and sensitivity precautions, you'll find that we are definitely not the cheapest cake pricing around - but it's because of these standards that we can confidently create products that we know will keep our clients happy that are conscious of health and wellness, quality, and sustainable agriculture. Wedding cakes start at $8 per serving.

+ DO YOU OFFER SHEET CAKES OR KITCHEN CAKES?

Yes, we do. As the quality of ingredients are the same, and it doesn’t take much less time to base-frost than a tiered cake, our sheet cake prices start at $6.50 per serving.

+ DO YOU OFFER FONDANT OR THEMED CAKES?

Here at Grain, we have a strict no fondant, no artificial food dyes policy. So, we don’t really offer themed cakes. We do have an incredible line of plant based food colorings that we offer, but if your heart is set on this, we can refer you to a few bakeries who specialize in this - this just isn’t something that’s part of Grain’s purpose.

+ CAKE IS GREAT, BUT DO YOU OFFER ANYTHING BESIDES CAKE FOR WEDDINGS?

Heck, yes! We offer dessert bars and about 50% of our weddings choose a cutting cake surrounded by a decadent dessert bar. We have 2-3 and 4-5 option dessert bars starting at $7/person. We offer both mini bite sized dessert bars and single personal sized serving dessert bars. Any cookie you could dream up, parfaits, trifles, brownies, galettes, pie, tarts, scones, bomboloni - anything your heart desires we can incorporate (within reason, of course). We also love doing cake bars (which is still cake) - choosing your favorite cake flavors and having 5-7 different yet cohesive cakes arranged on cake stands - so fun! Cupcakes are still an option at Grain (again, still cake) if you’re on a budget.

+ WHAT IS GRAIN’S TRADITION FOR ANNIVERSARY CAKES?

Some couples still choose to save the top tier of their cake to celebrate their one year anniversary; if a couple chooses this, we supply an extra box, and directions on how to best preserve the cake. We’re proud to say our cake (if preserved correctly) still tastes pretty darn good a year later! But, we also offer a special 6” two-layer cake for your anniversary, which we send the coupon out for around a month prior to your first anniversary, so you can enjoy fresh cake, too, if you want! We love redoing your wedding cake in mini form for your big day!

+ WHAT SIZE CAKE DO I REALLY NEED TO FEED MY GUESTS?

There are many factors to consider here. We always go over this during your consultation to determine what is best for your individual wedding. First, we usually direct in the following ways for slicing a cake:

wedding or event portions - cut into 1”x2” rectangles across the top, which leaves slices about 7” tall or high

party potions - cut into 2”x2” squares across the top, which leaves slices about 7” tall or high - or cut into the traditional triangle birthday party style slices

We also take into consideration your friends’ and families’ preferences - are they sweets people, or are they nibblers? As well as what else will be served in the means of food - and when.

+ WHAT DO I DO WITH MY CAKE AFTER PICKING IT UP?

We suggest and encourage delivery on most all wedding orders - it’s just too big of a hassle (and risk) on such an important day. Delivery is required for three tiered cakes or larger.

Regardless, Grain cakes should be kept at room temp for a minimum of 3 hours before serving to ensure that the texture of the cake is as intended. Cold cake can seem dry (which isn’t the case), so we highly encourage letting it come to room temp. For smaller cakes, 2-3 hours may suffice, and for larger cakes, 4+ hours may be needed. Grain cakes can safely remain at room temp for up to 8 hours (high summer heat and certain types of frostings may affect this rule). During peak summer months (July and August), you may need to keep the cake in air conditioning or refrigeration until closer to your serving time. We take this into account when scheduling delivery time for weddings in these months.

If your pick up or delivery time is within 1-2 hours of when the cake will be consumed, please let us know - we otherwise keep your cake refrigerated until pick up or delivery, and would like to make arrangements to ensure your cake is at room temp when being served. Again, cold cake may (falsely) make it seem dry and dense.

If your cake has custom toppers (such as sails or geode designs) we will communicate how to preserve these - the refrigerator is not the way! Fresh floral, however, does best in the fridge and can wilt in high heat.

Cakes should not be transported on high temperature or even warm days without being in the passenger part of the vehicle (not the trunk) with the air conditioning on high (cake takes priority over the humans in this case!), and be sure to keep the cake away from any direct sunshine and place it near an AC vent. Sunshine and heat degrade its stability integrity (butter melts, folks). Unless it is winter time, do not leave cakes or cupcakes (or really any dessert) in the car when it is turned off (just like for our pets, vehicles turn into hot boxes). We recommend bringing some towels to roll and place around the cake box for added security, as well as bringing a vehicle with a flat storage surface (cakes should never ever go on seats). Take turns and highway on/off ramps slower than you think you need to.

+ DO YOU OFFER DELIVERY?

For most weddings, yes, we offer delivery for orders over $250 for a fee. We charge $1.25 per mile (each direction) for mileage, and $30 per hour including driving, ferry, and set-up time; there is a $75 minimum for delivery.

+ OTHER TID BITS

Orders are not confirmed on our books without payment - no payment, no order.

All wedding order designs and flavor selections need to be finalized at least three weeks before the date when your final payment is due. Any changes after this point may incur additional charges and may not be accommodated. We reach out around 4-6 weeks prior to check in on any last minute changes.

We offer additions (increases) to wedding orders, but not decreases. We always recommend booking conservatively and increasing if need be.