LITTLE FALLS, NY – As the Erie Canal continues to draw visitors to this historic Mohawk Valley City, a new business is emerging to enhance its appeal. Alex Ritz is preparing to launch Fox Tale Artisan Bakery at 407 Canal Place, focusing on sourdough breads and pastries made with regionally sourced ingredients.

With a mid-August opening in mind, Ritz draws on a rich personal history and professional background to create a spot that emphasizes the origins and community ties of food.

Ritz’s affinity for the area stems from childhood visits that fostered a sense of belonging. “I grew up in Cobleskill, just an hour away. But came here to visit my grandparents a lot, and I would spend a lot of the summers here,” Ritz shared.

“I’ve always just loved being here. All the different activities that there are to do and the people I met – I felt like it’s just an excellent group of people, and that I felt welcomed here – it made me feel like I wanted to set up roots here.”

This move, made nine months ago, aligned with Ritz’s evolving career, marked by exploration across coasts and industries. Starting with an undergraduate degree in Portland, Oregon, Ritz delved into outdoor pursuits before shifting to therapeutic farming.

“I’m an inquisitive person. I follow the path of life, I would say,” Ritz explained. “So I did my undergrad out in Portland, Oregon, and there I got into outdoor education and adventuring. And that eventually led me to farming and horticulture therapy. Working with young adults, growing food, and working with the soil.”

Later roles in Boston’s bakery scene and manufacturing highlighted contrasts in food production, prompting graduate studies in business with an agricultural bent. Ritz’s drive centers on demystifying supply chains and humanizing the process.

“And so for me, I think it’s just like an intense passion. I want to learn where our food comes from and who grows it, and what are the stories behind the food?” Ritz said. “And so that is where it has led me today. I want to be able to share that with other people and share the joy and reconnection of food and people.”

Foxtail will highlight these values through its offerings, prioritizing New York-sourced flour and seasonal produce in items like croissants, cookies, and crackers. “My big thing is trying to source as much regionally as possible,” Ritz noted. “So really, you know, sourcing from a New York mill, a good portion of the flower, fruits, and vegetables of the season, or herbs. That’s something that I want to be able to showcase, like where the ingredients are coming from.”

The bakery’s location along the canal positions it perfectly for casual outings, with provisions like cheeses and meats encouraging impromptu gatherings. Drip coffee and outdoor seating will add to the allure.

“Leaning into gathering provisions is kind of where I’m seeing it. Currently, I don’t have the space for a sit-down coffee shop. But it’s okay. What are the ways that people can gather?” Ritz elaborated. “You get your baguette and cheese and go for a picnic or potluck.”

Community input shaped the concept, addressing calls for more vibrant options amid a trend toward mindful consumption. Ritz points to successes like Utica’s farm-to-table spots as models for sparking interest in producers. “I think going back to connecting to the people at the farmers who grow it and the bakers or the cooks who make it and do something extra special with our food – that’s what it is,” Ritz said. “Everyone loves food, right? And they get really excited about it.”

Family influences, including her grandmother’s scones, combined with Ritz’s entrepreneurial spirit, brought the idea to life. “All the conversations with people here are – people want to see more businesses, or they want good food or good ambiance,” Ritz observed. Transforming the former Mustard Seed space involved straightforward updates, such as wiring and flooring, aided by equipment acquisitions.

Early tastings have built buzz, with positive reactions to both sweet and savory trials. “It’s been really positive. You know, I was always very nervous, but always really positive,” Ritz shared. “Everyone has been very enthusiastic and positive with their reviews. So that’s been reassuring.”

Future expansions could include subscriptions, custom orders, and educational programs, potentially growing into a collaborative hub. “I do foresee us having selling channels, maybe a bread share program, where people can get a loaf a week,” Ritz explained.

In the long term, Ritz envisions a broader impact through training and events. “I would love for this to expand into something larger, into a bigger space. Maybe a larger coffee shop and bakery. Maybe it’s collaborating with others,” Ritz envisioned. “I do want to be able to have employment for people – something that’s engaging and working with food and your hands.”

By promoting awareness over convenience, Foxtail aims to enrich Little Falls’ culinary landscape. “Instead of just fast on the go convenience, a little bit more like presence and awareness,” Ritz emphasized.

You can track her progress via @fox_tale_artisan_bakery on Instagram, with an online presence and phone details to follow.

In helping to revitalize Canal Place, this bakery will offer more than treats—it will be a nod to heritage, sustainability, and shared experiences along the waterway.