When the doors of Koriela Bakery officially opened in Cincinnati this week, it marked far more than the launch of a new neighborhood café. For founder Ifat Koriel, it was the culmination of years of resilience, healing and determination—and a tribute to the people who inspired her long before she ever imagined owning a bakery.
Speaking with Sharon Kidon following the bakery's grand opening, Koriel described the emotional moment as the realization of a dream that demanded years of hard work and unwavering belief. "We worked so hard for this," she said. "It was a dream that finally came true." But Koriela is more than a business. Every pastry, cookie and cake tells a deeply personal story.
The kosher Cincinnati bakery ‘Koriela’ bridges worlds
A name that carries family memories
The bakery's name is rooted in Koriel's childhood and serves as a tribute to her late parents, both of whom she lost at a young age. "Koriela was the name my father used to call my mother," she recalled. "Every day when he came home from work, he would ask her to make him a cup of coffee with one of her desserts."
Naming the bakery after that cherished family nickname allows both parents to remain part of the journey. "I wanted them here with me," she said.
Today, many of the bakery's offerings are based on the traditional recipes she grew up with—recipes passed down through her mother—while blending them with classic French pastry techniques to create something uniquely her own.
"I take those childhood flavors and combine them with French pastries," Koriel explained. "It's bringing two worlds together."
Choosing dreams after cancer
Koriel's life took another unexpected turn five years ago when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Now cancer-free, she says the experience fundamentally changed how she approaches life.
"After I had cancer, I decided that every dream I have, I will make happen," she said. That decision ultimately led to Koriela Bakery.
What began as a personal dream evolved into a place where resilience, family traditions and creativity meet over coffee and freshly baked pastries.
Building a bakery where everyone belongs
Koriel always envisioned the bakery as more than a destination for baked goods. Located in Cincinnati, home to one of America's largest Orthodox Jewish communities, Koriela was intentionally designed to welcome everyone, regardless of background or religious affiliation.
"From the moment we decided to open the bakery, it was clear that everyone would be welcome," she said.
Visitors at the grand opening reflected that vision, with Orthodox Jews, members of the broader Jewish community and non-Jewish neighbors all coming together to celebrate. "I wanted every person who enters this store to feel welcome, comfortable and happy."
Giving back to the community that embraced her
Koriel says the Cincinnati Jewish community became her extended family during one of the most difficult periods of her life.
She arrived while undergoing cancer treatment, and the community's support left a lasting impression.
"They welcomed me into their homes. They hugged me," she said. "That embrace helped me become who I am today."
Opening Koriela, she says, is her opportunity to return that kindness.
"This is my chance to give back to this amazing Jewish community."
She also credits Jewish Federation of Cincinnati for helping make the project possible after a long and often difficult journey.
"It wasn't easy," she said. "But we did it."
More than a bakery
Koriel hopes the space will evolve into a true community hub—somewhere people gather not only for pastries but for connection. Whether it's a family celebration, a women's event, a neighborhood gathering or simply a quiet afternoon with a book, she wants Koriela to feel like home.
"If someone wants to come read a book, they can come read a book," she said. "If they want to celebrate a birthday or gather with family and friends, they can do that too."
Her vision is simple. "I hope this will become a place where everybody comes and enjoys."