Made in Connecticut: "Pete the Baker" has the recipe for success with Swetckiedoodles
A hobby born during a difficult time has turned into a recipe for success. Meet "Pete the Baker," whose cookie creations are helping him build a sweet business.
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What started as a hobby during a difficult chapter in life has turned into a thriving small business for one Fairfield baker. Peter Swetckie, known as “Pete the Baker,” is the founder of SwetckieDoodles, a cottage bakery specializing in homemade cookies, quick breads and other baked treats.
About five and a half years ago, Pete says he entered inpatient rehab after realizing his drinking had become a serious problem. When he returned home, he was looking for something positive to help him stay focused and motivated. That’s when he picked up his grandmother’s recipes and decided to try baking cookies. Pete says he quickly fell in love with the process. “When I bake, everything else fades away,” he said. “I’ve got to be 100% present in the moment.” What began as a personal outlet soon grew into a business. Today, Pete spends his early mornings prepping and baking before filling orders and selling treats at local farmers markets.
His first cookie was a snickerdoodle, which inspired the name SwetckieDoodles. Many of the bakery’s recipes are based on family favorites, including a blueberry lemon bread adapted from his grandmother’s recipe. Pete says one of his favorite parts of the job is knowing that his baked goods bring people together. Looking ahead, he hopes to one day open a storefront bakery in downtown Fairfield where families can stop in for a sweet treat and a welcoming atmosphere.
And for Pete, every cookie carries a little something extra. “You can taste the warmth, and honestly, you can kind of taste the love,” he said. “Because I love what I do.”
