Casey Callahan & Timishia Goodson
“I feel like an almond croissant can cure anything,” said Casey Callahan.
That’s kind of the philosophy at Harrisburg bakery Raising The Bar—that everything’s a little sweeter when you stop and savor.
The business, which opened in 2016 in the Broad Street Market, has lived up to its name over the years, with owners Callahan and Timishia Goodson taking traditional baked goods and putting their unique twist on them.
In October, they cranked it up another notch, expanding to their first stand-alone storefront a few blocks from the market on N. 3rd Street.
The new shop is tucked on the first floor of the “Carpets and Draperies” building, which was recently renovated by Harrisburg developer Nate Foote after decades sitting vacant. Above Raising The Bar are new apartment units, and the exterior of the building features a vibrant mural by local artist Tara Chickey.
October marked the 100th anniversary of the building, which once housed a department store. It now has something sweeter in store.
The minute you set foot in Raising The Bar, you’re enveloped by the luscious smell of fresh croissants, almond cake, focaccia bread and a kitchen full of other tasty delicacies. It’s impossible not to get something to eat.
“I love to see people enjoy our food,” Goodson said.
On top of the yummy smells, the aesthetic of the shop is equally inviting. There are lots of green, brass, wood and rattan accents, giving off a warm, boho-modern feel.
The menu has all the same staples as the market stand—the bars, brownies and croissants. But, the owners also plan to switch things up, offering new baked goods and, eventually, sandwiches.
As always, everything’s made from scratch, and the menu is constantly changing.
“We like to keep people on their toes,” Goodson said.
Rising Up
Callahan and Goodson started baking together while working at the former Ciao Bakery in downtown Harrisburg, which closed in 2020.
As their relationship as co-workers and friends grew, they decided it was time to leave Ciao and start their own business together.
“We decided when we left that we were never taking a step back,” Callahan said. “We’re not going to fail.”
Even when the pandemic threatened that, Raising The Bar kept baking, reverting to deliveries and takeout window service. Even with the worst days of COVID behind them, they still face challenges with the rising costs of food. Additionally, there’s the hurdle of being a women-owned business.
“It’s still very hard to operate a business in 2022 as a woman,” Goodson said. “We are trying to make sure people know who’s behind the business and to just encourage other women. It was definitely a pipe dream and takes quite a bit of work.”
The owners described how they’ve had customers make assumptions that their business is supported by their husbands (Callahan is married, Goodson is not). At other times, Callahan’s husband has stopped by the shop, and people have automatically assumed he is the owner, even though he can’t tell a brownie from cheesecake, Callahan joked.
On top of that, Goodson has also faced the added stigma of being a Black woman in business.
“Yes, women can own a business, and they can be successful and can expand,” she said.
Try Everything
A few years ago, Phyllis Mooney first visited Raising The Bar, nudged by a recommendation from her daughter. She’s been a regular ever since.
“Their product is really fresh and good,” she said. “Whenever they change the menu, I joke that I want to try everything.”
Mooney visits the market stand weekly for croissants, scones and other treats. She’s excited about the new location, which offers an extended menu and hours. The market stand will remain open, even with the expansion.
“I’m happy for them,” she said. “It’s like a reward for being a great business and great bakers.”
For another customer, Aaron Eshbach, the high-quality, unique items keep him returning regularly, as does the positive environment. Over the years, he and his family have gotten to know the owners well, he said.
Callahan and Goodson hope to foster that sense of community even more in their new location.
“We both still love to bake and see people enjoy our food,” Callahan said.
The pair wants the new shop to be a place where people unplug. It’s not meant to be a workspace for customers to use their laptop for hours or chat on the phone. Instead, they’d like to see guests savoring a confection with a cup of coffee or having a conversation with a friend.
“We want people to come in and enjoy a croissant and relax,” Callahan said.
It’s taken Callahan and Goodson a lot of work, early mornings at the market and long days baking to get where they are. But they love what they do and the community they serve.
“We are just trying to make people happy with a little treat,” Callahan said.
Raising The Bar is located at 1507 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg, and inside the Broad Street Market’s stone building. For more information, visit their Facebook page.
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