Casa Costa Bake Shop is introducing Brazilian and Portuguese dishes and traditional English and American treats to the Leander community.
The shop opened in August, though owners Donna Costa and her daughter, Katie Fujita, are not new in the local bakery business. Fujita attended Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts in Austin, and the two began selling custom cakes and other made-to-order desserts out of their home in 2010.
“It got to the point where we were turning away more business than we could take every week,” Costa said. “Katie’s dream had always been to own a bake shop—a place where people could come and have a coffee and enjoy a dessert.”
The two settled on a 1930s house in Old Town Leander for their shop and received a city grant. After renovations, cafe tables are now tucked into the corners, and a large deck outside allows for sipping and lounging.
“We’re all about family, and we want people who come here to feel like they’re a part of our family and stay a while,” Fujita said.
Casa Costa offers breakfast and light lunch options, including salads and a variety of quiches. The bake shop also offers coffee, desserts and custom cake orders.
Fujita’s husband also serves full meals at Casa Costa on Sundays. The entrees are Brazilian or Portuguese dishes, and customers can check the shop’s Facebook page to see what is being served up that week.
“It’s been a big draw,” Costa said. “We already have a regular following of Sunday customers.”
Top sellers at Casa Costa
Quiche—three or four flavors available, including a gluten-free option
Sea salt brownies
Lemon blueberry pound cake
Pão de queijo—Brazilian cheese bread
Sweet Sand—vanilla cake with fresh cream and a cookie and sugar crumble
Costa Casa Bake Shop
201 Bagdad St., Leander
737-777-3909
www.casacostabakeshop.com
Hours: Tue.-Sat. 6:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.-2 p.m., closed Mon.
