Jody Carmichael, founder of Pink Baking Co., has partnered with Lindsey Zimecki and rebranded Pink’s Monkey Junction location as a vegetarian bistro named Root.
 
Carmichael launched Hot Pink Cake Stand seven years ago, and just last year partnered with long-time employee Ashley Hunter, rebranding as Pink Baking Co. Carmichael said that taking on a partner dedicated to each location has allowed her to grow and transform the business into a multi-faceted company.  
 
She stresses that despite the changes, the two locations are still very much connected. Carmichael and Zimecki will carry a variety of vegan and gluten-free baked goods from Pink Baking Co., and special orders for desserts can still be placed at both locations. Coolers have been installed at both Root and Pink Baking Co.’s Front Street location and are stocked with grab-n-go salads.
 
“We now have a concept that I’m really happy with,” Carmichael said.
 
Carmichael said the changes are in part based upon some personal food sensitivities that she has developed in the past few years. She said when she began modifying her own diet, she also heard from many of her customers that they were in similar situations.
 
“We’ve seen an increased demand for gluten-free and vegan sweets but also a desire for more vegetarian dining options and now Pink Baking Co. and Root provide both.”
 
While Carmichael and Zimecki are still refining Root’s menu, current selections include sandwiches, wraps, enchiladas and bowls prepared with veggies, greens and grains.
 
A wide variety of herbal teas are available at both locations as wells as pour-over coffee from Counter Culture.
 
Root is located at 5543 Carolina Beach Rd., Bldg. 140 in the Myrtle Grove Shopping Center opposite Home Depot and Staples. Pink Baking Co. is located at 114 N. Front St.
 
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