Michele Chance Hardy is a jovial woman who greets each customer with her infectious smile and welcoming manner. Born in Riverside, California, Chance Hardy left the sunny California enclave of Riverside to relocate here in Chester in 1986. She came to visit and made Chester her home, raising her girls here.
I was curious to know why she relocated from a paradise to a crowded city. She simply responded, “Community was at the forefront of my decision to stay and raise my family here. I came to visit my mother when she fell ill, and I ended up staying.” Here she raised four daughters ages 21, 26, 28, and 31. Two are in college, and all are engaged in full-time employment, although none of the ladies share their mother’s passion for baking. They’re all happy that their mother’s happy and thoroughly enjoying her passion project. “There’s a community here. The neighbors look out for one another and each other’s children,” Chance Hardy stated. “I was surprised that the homes were so close to each other,” she said. Riverside is a rural area known for growing citrus crops.
Chance Hardy is one of 11 children. All of them were taught to cook and bake by their parents and grandparents (boys and girls alike). The wife and mother found the skills that she gleaned from her family early on helped her because she had to feed her family. Her husband, well-known basketball Harold Hardy, a graduate of Chester High, supports his wife’s endeavor and can be seen checking in on her from time to time. Sweet Chances Bakery is located at 2300 West 4th Street (in the food court), Chester, PA 19013. Phone: 610-333-7584
Chance Hardy may have been taught the basics of baking by her family early on; but, her deep-seated passion is evident when one speaks to her, and it’s evident when you sample her wares. Her signature Strawberry Shortcake Parfait is the real deal. If you’re in the market for an authentic Strawberry Shortcake, Sweet Chances Bakery is just the place you want to visit. Try it for yourself. However, I will tell you, you will not be left with that greasy film on your palette that you get from almost any other dessert that contains whip cream. This delicacy dances on your tongue and makes your taste buds sing. All of the ingredients the bakery uses are fresh, and everything is made from scratch. You taste it in every bite.
Sweet Chances Bakery had only been in business for a short time before the pandemic, and consequent shutdown occurred. The severity with which the pandemic hit Sweet Chances and threatened to derail Chance’s dream. Foot
traffic was nonexistent, and customers were unable to sit in the gallery
and enjoy her treats. Most people ordered their takeout from the
other eateries, but most didn’t dare walk through the food court as they’d
normally do, getting dessert after a meal. “I was holding on by a thread, barely making the monthly rent; but, I stuck with it because this business is important to me. I’m always most happy when I’m here baking.” She’s had to package her goods differently in the interest of safety, which added expenses. Her colleagues assisted her by directing customers requesting desserts to her. They answered her questions and shared their individual experiences, which helped.
Even with the added expenses of Chance, Hardy didn’t hesitate when asked to support National Law Enforcement Day for our police officers. Both she and her husband quietly volunteer in the community when possible. Her passion and experience are the foundation of her business. Her initial investment of $4,000, along with the absolute belief that she could and would make Sweet Chances Bakery a successful business means, she’s got no other choice. Commitment has Chance Hardy in her shop preparing specialty orders and daily treats six days a week. She can be found at home after closing the shop, researching new recipes to tantalize her customer’s taste buds.
Sweet Chances is quickly developing a following for sugar-free and gluten-free products, for which she takes orders. Each of her specialty products is prepared to the customer’s specifications. After years of supplying cakes for birthdays and other special occasions for her neighbors, she decided she could succeed and started baking to earn a living. Chance Hardy honed her craft (following her family’s teaching) in bakeries about the area. She spent 10-workings at Jes Made Bakery, where she learned to make and decorate wedding cakes. She worked at Traub’s Bakery in Prospect Park, where she perfected her skill for making cinnamon buns and doughnuts. Chance Hardy worked at Kyj’s Bakery in Brookhaven, PA, where she further fine-tuned her al- ready extensive skill set.
All of the businesses in the Food Court Venue are Black-owned. Each business has a compelling story. Each proprietor’s journey different, but, I found the story of Sweet Chances Bakery particularly intriguing since I’ve watched her struggle and watched her not complain or give up. Things are starting to open up now that people are getting vaccinated and venturing out in public again. It’s slow going, and Michele Chance Hardy, owner of Sweet Chances reminds me of a tortoise, slow and steady, in getting to the destination. In five years, she is intent on being in her own brick-and- mortar establishment. In 10 years, Chance hopes to direct a staff of passionate bakers within her full-service bakery. Meanwhile, she’s grateful for the venue she has and for each and every customer.
