Downtown Montclair has a new cafe/bakery offering homemade sweet treats and more. Stuff By SJ, from owner Sara Jean Miller (aka SJ), provides custom cakes, baked goods, specialty drinks, and more. The business also does made-to-order custom treats, and can accommodate vegan and gluten-free requests.
The 900-square foot Stuff By SJ is “a cross between a bakery and a café,” Sara says; she is also the baker and designer of the shop. They have two tables and several couches, and can seat more than a dozen people. In addition, they plan to add high-top tables and stools for additional seating. “We want to create a comfortable place for people to enjoy treats and a beverage,” she adds. Future plans include hosting DIY parties and small private events.
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Lots of Stuff on the Menu
Stuff By SJ sells unique custom cakes, cupcakes, chocolate treats, and more. Everything is made from scratch with quality ingredients. In particular, the specialty cupcakes are a hit, with fans loving the Tres Leches and Campfire S’mores; the latter is a vanilla cupcake with chocolate frosting, chocolate marshmallow, and chocolate ganache drizzle topped with graham cracker. However, Sara’s favorite is the mixed berry cupcake, filled with fresh, mixed berry compote and topped with Swiss meringue buttercream.
There’s also a limited time cake that rotates on the Stuff By SJ menu, called SJ’s Cake Slice Special. These are custom concoctions, like a chocolate cake with dulce de leche filling, buttercream, and drizzle.
Sara also makes handmade chocolates and treats like cake popsicles, cake bites, chocolate-covered Oreos, and chocolate-dipped pretzel rods; in addition to chocolate caramel pretzel rods, hot cocoa bombs, chocolate dipped strawberries, and chocolate dipped Rice Krispies treats.
Meanwhile, the shop has a drink menu with coffee, frappes, milkshakes, and fruit smoothies. They use 100% Colombian coffee and carry assorted milks, flavor swirls, and sweeteners. Sara’s favorite drink, for instance, is a caramel macchiato.
Other Stuff By SJ
Since made-to-order is a big part of the business, Stuff By SJ offers vegan and gluten-free items by request. They also provide free local delivery for all custom orders, and use third party delivery apps for everyday menu items. Sara’s former retail experience pushes her to provide top-notch customer service. “We’re totally committed to providing the best service and friendly environment for everyone we encounter; in the store, online, or on the phone,” she says.
Stuff By SJ came about after Sara started making custom cakes for family birthdays. One went viral on social media, and the requests soon came pouring in. After baking at home for over a year, she found the perfect brick-and-mortar location in Montclair. (Where many of her original patrons are from.)
Visit Stuff By SJ at 342 Bloomfield Ave in Montclair. Look for them online to learn more.
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Team Photo: © JP Photography (used with permission)
All Other Photos: Stuff By SJ