Q/A with Melanie Bell, owner, The Baked Bear

How did you get interested in The Baked Bear?

My husband and I stumbled upon The Baked Bear in San Francisco in January 2020, just before the world shut down due to COVID. As a foodie, I had planned a food tour since it was my husband's first time in the city. Unfortunately, the tour left us still hungry, so we decided to explore on our own—and that's when we discovered The Baked Bear. It was the perfect find! I remember immediately searching to see if there was a location in the DMV area and was excited to find one at Pike & Rose. I finally visited later that year, never imagining that three years later, I’d be the owner of this very location. After spending three years developing The Baked Bear in South Beach, Miami, I received a life-changing call—the original owners of the Pike & Rose location were looking to sell as they were leaving the area. In December 2023, we acquired the store, remodeled it, and brought The Baked Bear experience back to Pike & Rose. It has been an incredible journey, and we look forward to many more years to come!

Why did you choose the Pike District?

Pike & Rose is such a vibrant and growing community, making it the perfect place for a fun, interactive & modern dessert concept like The Baked Bear. The energy here is unmatched, and with so many other great restaurants, entertainment spots, and retail spaces, it’s a destination where people come to enjoy themselves. I love that we can be a part of their experience, whether it's a sweet ending to dinner, a family outing, or a special celebration. Being in a location that brings people together is what makes it so special.

Offer some advice when it comes to opening a small business!

As a franchise owner with over 20 years of experience, I believe there are several key qualities you must have when opening a business. Beyond having enough capital, you need what I call the Four P’s:

1. Patience – Success takes time. There will be unexpected hurdles, so trust the process.
2. Passion – You must truly love what you do because running a business is a full-time commitment.
3. Perseverance – Challenges will come, and it’s important to push through them. There is no straight path—expect twists and turns.
4. Positivity – A strong, positive mindset is crucial. Surround yourself with the right people, stay adaptable, and keep moving forward.

You’ll wear many hats as a business owner, but with the right mindset and team, you can create something truly special.

Share some background so we can learn a little more about you!

Before owning The Baked Bear, I was a franchisee of Edible Arrangements for over 18 years in Northern Virginia. For a while, I owned both businesses at the same time, which taught me a lot about resilience and adaptability. Building a brand from the ground up is challenging, but I embraced it, learning how to navigate major holidays, operational hurdles, and customer expectations. Every setback became an opportunity to grow, and over the years, I developed best practices to improve efficiency and customer experience. My journey has taught me that continuous learning and the ability to pivot are key to long-term success in any business.

What is your favorite item to get at The Baked Bear? Give us an insider tip!

It honestly depends on my mood, but right now, I’d have to go with Gooey Butter Cake Cookie & Nutella Chocolate Chunk Cookie + Blackberry Crumble Ice Cream + Fruity Pebbles and Whipped Cream on top—definitely warm-pressed.