Rick Grimm compares the growth of Ceres Bakery to the process of baking bread.

"It's been a slow, steady rise," said Grimm, who co-owns the Kalispell business with his wife, Hannah Bjornson.

The pair expanded their footprint in June, punching a hole in the northern wall of the bakery to create a seating area next door.

Ceres first opened on Main Street 15 years ago, and its expansion was years in the making.

"We always thought about how great it would be," Bjornson recalled.

The couple bought the building that houses the bakery in 2018. About a year and a half later, they took on some modest renovations to add a small seating area on the southern half of the building.

Then the pandemic arrived in the Flathead Valley. In July 2020, the real estate company that had been renting the adjoining space decided to pack up their operation. Bjornson and Grimm realized it was time to make a move.

They spent the winter working with local contractors to turn the office space into an airy, open seating area.

The new space is centered around wooden benches and tables, with a smattering of small tables and a cushioned bench up against the walls. Along the front windows, there is a counter with high seats. This winter, they plan to put a bench along the northern wall, too.

The seating area only takes up about 750 square feet, but Grimm and Bjornson have big plans for the future of the bakery and the surrounding building.

They've maintained a separate office space behind the dining area, and are in talks to rent it out to local nonprofits.

They've proposed some facade improvements to the city government, including the addition of an art piece, similar to the statues that decorate Rocky Mountain Outfitter and Valley Bank. Grimm has a vision for a statue of a young girl riding an antique bike, carrying a baguette, on the exterior of the bakery.

Now that they have a little more breathing room, they'd also like to beef up the menu. Bjornson said they're thinking of adding soups and sandwiches. She's also excited about the possibility of creating "dessert night" events to give Ceres' pastry chefs a chance to flex their creative muscles.

The couple said they feel lucky to be in a position of growth, given the challenges that have plagued small businesses over the past year.

Ceres hasn't been immune to problems like supply shortages, but Bjornson and Grimm said they've received enough support to move forward. Their loyal customers have created a steady demand without putting too much strain on Ceres' small team. And although Bjornson said they'd like to have a slightly larger staff, Ceres' productivity hasn't been impeded by the worker shortage that's hurt many other local businesses.

Bjornson is proud Ceres hasn't had to limit its hours or close its doors as a result of the pandemic. Grimm said Ceres is still going through a ton and a half of flour every week, and their van is driving 60 miles every day for deliveries.

"We kept cranking along through all the weirdness," Grimm said.

Reporter Bret Anne Serbin may be reached at 406-758-4459 or bserbin@dailyinterlake.com.