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By Buzz Trexler
Star Correspondent
ROAN MOUNTAIN – After closing for over two months, Smoky Mountain Bakers announced on New Year’s Day that it planned to reopen Jan. 9.

“We have a new ownership group which has helped us to remodel and update the facility,” Tim Decker said in a Facebook message to The Star. “We have plans for the spring to increase the outdoor seating.”

The restaurant, located at 500 Cloudland Drive, had signaled on social media for several weeks that it hoped to reopen soon. The announcement on Monday said the restaurant would be offering all the past favorites, plus espresso drinks, grab-and-go desserts and snacks, new pastries, and more from a freshly remodeled kitchen and dining room. Decker said the restaurant would extend its hours to include being open from noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays.

“We are blessed to keep all of our crew members,” Decker said. “They’ve been working so hard and are excited. We’re looking forward to this new year and seeing all of our treasured customers and meeting new visitors.”

The little pizzeria, breakfast, and bakery shop located down a side road off U.S. 19E in Roan Mountain has received praise from beyond, including being recognized by the Washington Post for its pizza.