Ashtyn Asay 
One of SOMA’s most beloved bakeries is preparing for a big expansion. After over a decade of serving up cookies, cakes, scones, and coffee in Maplewood Village, The Able Baker is preparing to open a second location at 209 Valley Street in South Orange sometime this summer. Keep reading to learn more about The Able Baker’s new location coming to South Orange, New Jersey, this summer.
The Details
The Able Baker first opened as a web-based, made-to-order business before it moved to a brick-and-mortar location in Maplewood Village in 2011, then expanded into a neighboring storefront in 2016. Founded by owner Julie Pauly, the bakery, located at 187 Maplewood Ave., is a local staple known for its baked goods, custom cakes, coffee, and elaborately decorated cookies.
Now, the business is preparing for another expansion with a second location slated for South Orange as part of the new 4th + Valley development. Pauly posted on Instagram in September 2025 to share that she received the keys to the storefront, which sits beneath a luxury apartment building next to Playa Bowls.
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The new space will be a major size upgrade. While the Maplewood location spans approximately 1,200 square feet, the South Orange bakery will occupy roughly 3,500 square feet. According to plans presented to the South Orange Planning Board, the new location will primarily operate as a counter-service bakery and cafe, with indoor seating for about 12 guests and additional outdoor seating.
Opening Timeline
While an initial report from NJ.com stated that The Able Baker’s second location could open in late May or early June, no official opening date has been announced. According to a recent Instagram post from The Able Baker, the South Orange eatery is now expected to open sometime in Summer 2026.
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