Local Eats: The Barlor

Maggie Sermersheim opened The Barlor to provide a cozy place when a little distance from home is needed. Inspired by European bistros specializing in coffee, beverages and pastries, Maggie came up with “The Barlor”, a play on words combining bar and parlor with the slogan, “have your cake and drink it, too.” 

No newbie to the industry, Maggie has worked in food service for more than twenty years. Her mom Mary Hoch began adding flavor to metro events more than forty years ago. Maggie watched and learned from her mother, taking over the catering business 5 years ago. Maggie knows that the ingredients needed for a great party consist of two main components: craft beverages and sweet treats. Of course the appetizers and main course are important, but drinks and dessert add that extra flare to make gatherings memorable. 

More Than Just a Bakery 

Maggie opened The Barlor in Edmond to fulfill her need for a kitchen equipped to handle the demands of her thriving catering business. The Barlor provides a tasty escape with a cozy couch, sitting area and bar. Maggie envisions parents getting away for a quick drink and dessert or running in to pick up pre-made dinners on a busy weeknights. She wants The Barlor to be a place for girlfriends to gather for girls night or for deep conversations over coffee and a pastry. She plans to host chef’s table cooking demonstrations, drink and dessert pairings and other events that will be delectable, yet affordable.

Connection over Confection 

Maggie’s business partner Chris Kriley often finds Maggie in deep conversation with customers and will playfully scold her, “Get back to work!”. Maggie’s favorite part of owning a storefront is the community it brings. She takes every opportunity to connect with customers, if only for a minute. Maggie mentioned a recent experience, “A mom came in to get her son a slice of rainbow cake. She told me he’d been having a really hard time and the cake brightened his day.” Maggie, also a mother of boys, could relate to the challenges of mothering and how a simple gesture, like cake, can bring connection where words fall short. 

Chris and Maggie make a great team, the lighthearted banter they share in the kitchen comes through in their flavorful food. Chris labors over housemade scones, adding seasonal additions, like cranberry orange and pumpkin. The case is loaded up with a variety of cookies. Maggie bakes made to order cakes and also sells them by the slice. Her coconut cake is a best seller. The cinnamon rolls have been dressed up for fall with apple cinnamon crumbled on top and an orange glaze added to the others, classic cinnamon rolls will always be a staple. The duo loves to play with the flavors of the seasons and is excited to have the opportunity to do that daily, not just at events. 

The Barlor sources from local farms like Indigo Acres, Ruzycki Farms, Whitmore Farms and the croissant and baguette experts, La Baguette. Maggie loves wowing her guests with simple, yet elevated dishes. They offer lunch specials daily, family meals to take home, and a drive-thru for convenience. Maggie eagerly awaits the day she receives her liquor license and can begin incorporating the bar aspect of her vision. The Barlor catering is not going anywhere. Although the pandemic brought about an unexpected pause in events, The Barlor will be ready to liven up your next event. 

Follow The Barlor on Facebook and Instagram to stay in the know. Their menu can be found at https://thebarlor.net/