As part of her ongoing initiative to celebrate Iowa’s small businesses, Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) has recognized The Bakery on Broadway in Audubon County as her Small Business of the Week. This is just one of several businesses she plans to highlight throughout this Congress, with a goal of showcasing a small business in each of the state’s 99 counties.
Founded by Kate Hargens in 2020, The Bakery on Broadway quickly became known for its delicious baked goods and custom cakes. But it wasn’t just about making tasty treats – Kate had a vision to revitalize downtown Audubon and create a gathering space for the community. She poured her passion and expertise into the bakery, using her background as a food scientist and licensed at-home baker to breathe new life into the town.
The Bakery on Broadway has become more than just a local hangout – it’s also hosted events like the weekly “What’s Happening in Audubon” forum and the “Art on Broadway” event, providing local artists with an opportunity to showcase their work. Kate has been involved in various community initiatives as well, including serving as president of the Children’s Nest Childcare Center and raising funds for the Audubon Rec Center. Her dedication earned her the 2016 Citizen of the Year award from the Audubon Chamber of Commerce.
Senator Ernst commended Kate Hargens and everyone at The Bakery on Broadway for their hard work and commitment to bringing value to their community. As she continues to shine a spotlight on Iowa’s small businesses through her Small Business of the Week award, she hopes to inspire others to follow in their footsteps and create thriving communities across our great state.
