Business adds bakery, education for new year

In 2014, the Simmons family is looking to expand their brand by beta testing a business education program they have been developing for about four years. The program, deemed Amy's Edu, focuses on teaching good practices to business owners, including leadership and customer service skills, and the handling of financial statements.

Amy Simmons said she and her husband, Steve, purchased a building at 1101 Anderson Lane for a potential space to hold classes for the program. The education classes could be officially rolled out in 2015 and will be open to everyone, she said.

"Being a 30-year company we have a big history of policies, and that comes with a high administrative cost," Amy said. "Opening another company with the thought of duplicating that is exhausting and doesn't usually pay out. That is why we hope Amy's Edu will help teach employees at a cheaper rate than developing that curriculum."

In addition to Amy's Edu, the family opened Baked by Amy's Dec. 3 in Northwest Austin.

"The people who work up there are incredible," Amy said. "They are coming up with a lot of new things, and we are using those fresh-baked goods in our new ice cream flavors."

13420 Galleria Circle, Bee Cave; 2109 Northland Dr., Austin, 512-263-2903, www.amysicecreams.com