04/16/2026
Lake and Local Spotlight: The Local in Baroda!
Some of the best ideas start the same way… sitting around, talking, maybe with a little wine involved, and asking “what if we just did it?”
That’s exactly how The Local in Baroda came to life, founded by Brittney and Paige.
Back in 2020, two friends who had spent years in the food industry and built careers in healthcare decided their small town needed a brunch spot. Not eventually, not someday, but right then. When they say they opened during COVID, they laugh and admit people usually ask if they’re crazy, and honestly, maybe they are, but in the best way.
After hearing the former Red Brick space was available, they went to check it out just to see, and walked away with something much bigger than curiosity. They walked away with a plan. With support from the Women’s Business Center and a lot of determination, they went from idea to opening their doors on November 20, 2020.
If you’ve ever been into The Local, you know it’s not just about the coffee, even though the coffee is fantastic! It’s the feeling you get when you walk in. The owners are the ones serving you, the food is made from recipes they created themselves, and the drink specials are always changing and keeping things fun. They are fully hands on, working in it every single day, and it shows in everything they do.
Their coffee is locally sourced from Infusco Coffee Roasters, roasted right in Sawyer, which makes that morning cup feel even more connected to the community.
From smoothies made with real fruit to all day breakfast and lunch, everything is intentional. Nothing feels rushed or generic. It feels like a place that was built with care.
Five years in, they’ve found their rhythm, but what keeps them going is simple. The regulars. In a small town like Baroda, that means everything. This is the kind of place where people know your order, ask about your kids, and actually mean it when they say they’ll see you next time. One customer said it best when they told them it just feels like home, and honestly, that says everything.
The Local has also become more than just a coffee stop. It’s a space people gather in for baby showers, bridal showers, birthdays, and private events. They offer rentals at a really approachable rate and give people the flexibility to either have them cater or bring their own food, which makes it feel even more welcoming. They’re also always thinking of new ideas, like partnering with a local florist to offer coffee and flower bundles, which is such a fun and thoughtful touch.
Right now, they’re in a season a lot of business owners hope to reach. They’ve built something solid and found a groove, but they’re still looking ahead. One of their biggest goals is simply getting more people through the door, because even now, they still hear from customers who say they didn’t know they were there. So if you didn’t know, now you do. 😃
This is one of those places that reminds you what local really means. Real people, real work, and a real connection to the community. And sometimes, all it takes is a “what if” moment to build something really special.
I hope you'll plan a trip to The Local soon, you won't be sorry!
