B-Side, a new croissant-heavy bakery, opens on Halloween in the Museum District

The big picture: Ben Safchuk, a self-taught baker who started dabbling in baking during the pandemic, launched B-Side a little over a year ago by popping up at area farmers markets.

• It quickly developed a following for Safchuk's giant croissants often made in funky colors, plus cookies, pastries and a few savory options.
• He just left his day job to give B-Side his full attention after snapping up a lease at 707 N. Sheppard St., between Sheppard Street Tavern and Boho Studios.

Zoom in: Safchuk landed back in Richmond from New York two years ago for what he joked was his second tour as an ad guy at The Martin Agency.

• There his colleagues, who he calls his second family, were some of his first taste testers and encouraged him to keep baking.
• The name is meant to be an homage to the second side of a vinyl album where often the artist's most precious songs land. It's also meant to represent the second side of Safchuk's career.

What's next: Once B-Side gets its footing, Safchuk said he plans to add a full espresso bar, more pastries and possibly bread down the road.

• B-Side will be open Thursdays though Saturdays, 8am-2pm with more days added in the New Year.