Sara Stadem | Editor
Who can say they met their then future business partner and sister-in-law in culinary school? Probably not many but Josie (Boltjes-Johnson) Layton can say it.
Josie grew up in Hartford and went off to culinary school in Minneapolis not knowing what it was going to bring for her future. While at culinary school, she met Shannon, who would later marry Josie’s brother.
After returning from culinary school, Josie and her husband Anthony chose to continue living in Hartford while she was working at Dakotabilities.
Life changed for Josie in November 2017. Josie, her mom, Holly Jorgenson, and her sister-in-law Shannon Johnson started Intoxibakes.
“It’s kind of an odd story, my mother called me while I was on my break at work one day and asked me if I wanted to start a bakery with her (and Shannon). I was very excited and almost thought it was unrealistic to start but why not!” She continued, “We decided we had to be different than other bakeries in town, as there is a lot of competition. After some discussion we all decided we can use alcohol in our baked goods! It was a fun and different way to infuse baked goods that isn’t really seen in the Midwest!”
Josie explained her mom, Shannon and her had all bonded over baking and their families have a history of family baking as well. “A lot of our recipes are from our mothers and grandmothers!”
When asked what Intoxibakes specializes in, Josie said, “We specialize in alcohol-infused cupcakes. Our bakery also offers non-boozy infused items that range from cupcakes, bars, cookies, and our famous Carrot Cake! We also do custom cakes that can be infused or not infused.” She continued, “Intoxibakes is South Dakota’s Original Boozy Bakery! We are a small, locally-owned business that specializes in alcohol infused treats! Intoxibakes is family owned and operated,” Josie explained.
Even though Intoxibakes celebrated three years in November, they are now celebrating their two-year anniversary in their shop which is located at 421 N Phillips Avenue in Sioux Falls.
When they first started in November 2017, Josie explained they started online and rented a bakery in Parker where they filled ordered and delivered them. “It was a lot of driving back and forth but well worth it!”
Intoxibakes moved into the Jones Building in Sioux Falls in late February of 2019 and had their Grand Opening the first week of March 2019. For their two-year anniversary, they celebrated by throwing some sales for our loyal customers.
Joie said, “We wouldn’t be where we are today without them! As for us bakers, we stayed working hard all weekend, which is a celebration itself for staying in business throughout the pandemic!”
As years carry on, the Intoxibakes customers can continue to expect certain traditions from the three bakers, according to Josie.
“Every year for any holiday you can always expect fun flavors that relate to the holiday! For example, St. Patty’s Day we always go GREEN! The week of St. Patrick’s Day is full of fun drink flavors you would typically see at a bar, only in cupcake form,” Josie said. She continued, “Some traditions we have kept is our “bakery anniversary”, not so much moving to the Jones Building but our actual start day. We make a cupcake only for that week which is a vanilla cupcake infused with birthday cake vodka and topped with a birthday cake vodka buttercream! We always dye the frosting purple and put a glittery number for the year we have made it to. Looking forward to year 4 this year!”
Josie explained there is also a loyalty program at the bakery for those that come back. Each visit is a point and once you reach 10 points, you get a free item from the display case.
Customer loyalty means a great deal to Josie and the rest of the bakers at Intoxibakes, Josie clarified. In a world of COVID-19 and the uncertainties, she stated they wouldn’t be open if it wasn’t for loyal customers. “Throughout COVID our customers kept coming back, whether it is a delivery, curbside pick-up, or coming into our building! We also sell out of WilLiquors on the south side of Sioux Falls, and our customers make it out there as well, which is such a great deal as we are closed Sundays and Mondays and they continue to go out there,” Josie said.
Josie said growing up in Hartford taught her a lot and something that sticks with her is helping out your neighbor and she feels that support.
“Small businesses are what make a community, and it is very important to try and support them when you can! The pandemic has been hard on a lot of folks and it’s typically someone you know,” Josie said. She concluded, “Whether it’s through business or in the community, Hartford has always been so welcoming and supportive. I look forward to many more years in Hartford, and many more years running our business!”