Crusty Bread Bakery

We tried their bread at a restaurant nearby. When the restaurant owner told us the bakery is just down the street, naturally we decided to check it out.
Maybe my image of a small town bakery is too idyllic: I image crusty loaves in baskets and the lovely aroma of fresh breads. Walking in, it’s more like a grocery store with some shelves for gourmet food items: jam, pasta, etc., and a large counter for bread.
I suppose I forgot that in a small town, they probably don’t sell a lot of bread retail — not to mention people nowadays don’t get their bread from their local bakery; Publix, Walmart or Panera are more convenient not to mention cheaper. The case, therefore, looks a bit sad with a few loaves forlornly sitting inside, wrapped in plastic bags.
Now, I won’t give a 3 stars for that. I love small businesses, so sometimes I generously give them 4 stars in hope of bringing it more business. Unfortunately, we can’t get over the fact that the lady put down her cat and proceeded to get our cookies without washing her hand first. She did use bakery tissue so she didn’t touch the food with her bare hands, but nonetheless, while old lady + cat is charming in most situations, it makes me lose my appetite when food is concerned. I can’t help imagining cat fur on my cookies…