As the population of Battle Ground rapidly increases, commercial developments are expanding the variety of businesses they offer as construction is underway for a bakery and a Chipotle Mexican Grill.
Sweetly Cafe and Bakery in the Millcreek Town Center will open in October of this year, said owner Irina Sirotkina.
Sirotkina, a Battle Ground resident, always looks for the best when it comes to local pastries, baked goods and coffee.
Sirotkina often found herself running around Battle Ground, Vancouver and Portland to track down her favorite croissants or macaroons, so she decided to start her own cafe and bakery called Sweetly.
The shop will display recipes baked by Sirotkina and her lead baker, as well as outsourced goods from local businesses, like Di Tazaa’s banana bread and Donna’s Macaroons in Oregon.
“We’re not here to compete with other local bakers,” she said. “We’re here to promote the smaller baking shops that are your independent contractors or cafes.”
Sirotkina said there will be a grand opening, but the date has yet to be decided.
Customers can grab a coffee or pastry from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. seven days a week once the shop opens. Sirotkina will offer catering services after closing for events, like birthday parties.
Sirotkina wanted to provide the Battle Ground community with a healthier substitute to fast food.
“It’s still local,” she said. “It’s still fresh and still baked every day.”
One of her sons cannot have dairy, which made it more difficult to eat at restaurants. This inspired Sirotkina to add many dairy and gluten-free options to the menu.
While Sirotkina waits for construction to be completed, she will perfect recipes for Sweetly, including avocado toast, oatmeal with fresh berries and high-end specialty cakes.
More information about the Sweetly Cafe and Bakery can be found on Facebook and Instagram at Sweetly_BG.
In addition, construction started for a new Chipotle Mexican Grill at the Scotton Landing development, said Principal Properties developer Tirus (T.J.) Fontenette.
Although an opening date hasn’t been set yet, the 2,325-square-foot building should open this year, Project Manager Brandi Ho wrote in an email. The new location will feature a drive-thru option.
“They’re full speed ahead,” Fontenette said.
The 45-acre Scotton Landing project is home to the Alder Pointe Apartments, recreational facilities, medical office and retail spaces. The development is operated by Principal Properties.
Chiro One Wellness Center, a health care provider, opened a couple of months ago and now occupies part of a Millcreek Town Center building, Fontenette said.
The remaining building space is available with a drive-thru option. Fontenette will announce more businesses joining the Millcreek Town Center by the end of the year, he said.
“We started the project in 2007,” Fontenette said. “I’m just excited to see it flourish, mature and stabilize.”
Both local and chain restaurants can be found in the center, including Walmart, MOD Pizza, Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Battle Ground Smiles and Charming Nails. The complex sits right next to Highway 503 and adjacent to the Scotton Landing project. Millcreek Town Center is also run by Principal Properties.
“The businesses employ people directly in the community, at all levels,” Fontenette said. “They provide economic activity within the community, instead of dollars being spent outward.”
