The Root Cellar Bakery & Catering Co.

In May 2014, Mylius opened the bakery at 142 N. LBJ Drive, San Marcos, a block from his restaurant. The bakery serves as a space to prepare catering and serve customers coffee drinks, baked goods, beer and wine.

“It made sense for us to share the space and create, in our minds, two things San Marcos was really missing: a traditional-style bakery and then a catering company,” Mylius said.

The two concepts work well together because the bakery needs a kitchen from early in the day, and a catering kitchen typically operates during the afternoon and the evening, he said.

“Learning some of the ins and outs of being a traditional-style bakery was challenging, as all small business is,” Mylius said. “But we’ve surrounded ourselves with amazing and talented people. We listen to their great ideas, and what we’ve evolved into is better than my initial vision.”

During the day, the most popular items on the menu are the bakery’s homemade stuffed croissants, available with brie and blackberries, sausage and cheddar, and turkey and swiss.

Traditional lattes and mochas are the best-selling beverages during the day, Mylius said. In the evening, wine and beer are served with cheese plates and homemade pretzel and bread boards. In early November, the bakery began offering a “happy hours” special from 6-8 p.m., when drinks are half price.

“I think what we offer, when it comes to having a cocktail, is a little more relaxed environment than a lot of bars around [San Marcos],” Mylius said.

Mylius said he wants the bakery to be a place for both Texas State University students and San Marcos locals.

“I think we’re fortunate to have a good mix [of customers],” he said. “That was our main goal when we started the restaurant 12 years ago. A lot of people come in and target the students, which misses the mark, in my opinion. While we welcome students and create a great environment for students, we want to create an environment for everyone in San Marcos.”