Our Story — From Family Traditions to 828 Take & Bake

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Hi, I’m Steve Conti, the proud owner and founder of 828 Take & Bake. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that sometimes life’s unexpected detours lead you exactly where you’re meant to be.

My story begins in Western New York, where I grew up in a big Italian-Swedish family. Food was always more than just something we ate — it was how we celebrated, connected, and brought everyone together.

Some of my favorite childhood memories were made in the kitchen alongside my Nona. Whether I was watching her work her magic, learning family recipes, or just getting in the way while trying to help, those moments planted a love for cooking that never left me.

From Horsepower to Homemade

Although cooking was always a passion, my career initially took me down a very different road.

After high school, I spent over 20 years working in the motorcycle and powersports industry — another passion of mine. Eventually, I made a career change and stepped into a leadership role at a small manufacturing company.

Unfortunately, life had other plans.

A serious injury on the job changed everything. The recovery was long, challenging, and filled with uncertainty. During that time, I also lost my position with the company.

It wasn’t easy, but looking back, that difficult chapter gave me something I hadn’t expected: an opportunity to start over and build something of my own.

I found myself returning to the one thing that had always brought me happiness — cooking.

And that’s how 828 Take & Bake came to life.

A Little Taste of Home, Without All the Work

What started as a passion for preparing great homemade food has grown into a business I’m incredibly proud of.

Today, with the help of an amazing crew, we’re creating delicious, convenient meals that allow busy families, couples, and individuals to enjoy a homemade dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

Our Take & Bake meals are prepared with quality ingredients, generous portions, and the same care I’d put into cooking for my own family.

And while our menu continues to grow and evolve, some things will always remain at the heart of 828 — especially our famous homemade all-beef meatballs and family-inspired marinara sauce!

Alongside those customer favorites, you’ll find an ever-changing selection of comforting soups, hearty chilis, fresh salads, creative entrées, and delicious products from other local small businesses.

We’ve also expanded into catering, bringing our love of homemade food to weddings, family celebrations, business gatherings, and special events throughout our community.

More Than Just a Meal

One of the things I love most about owning 828 Take & Bake is getting to know the people who walk through our doors.

We’re a small business, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I believe in good food, honest service, treating people right, and building relationships that go beyond a simple transaction.

That’s also why our FREE “Try Before You Buy” tasting table has become such an important part of who we are. I want you to taste what we’re cooking, discover something new, and feel confident about what you’re bringing home to your family.

From My Family to Yours

Looking back, I never could have imagined that an unexpected injury and a career change would eventually lead me here.

But every time a customer tells me how much they enjoyed dinner, shares our food with a friend, or simply stops in to say hello, I’m reminded why I started this journey.

828 Take & Bake isn’t just about making meals easier. It’s about keeping the tradition of good, homemade food alive and bringing a little comfort and happiness to the table.

To everyone who has supported us, encouraged us, shared our name, or walked through our doors — THANK YOU!

You’ve helped turn a lifelong passion into something truly special, and I’m grateful to be a part of this community.

From my kitchen to your table,

Steve Conti

Owner & Founder

828 Take & Bake