In an industry dominated by mass-produced goods, Small State Provisions – with locations in West Hartford and Avon - stands as a testament to the power of passion, quality, and community.
Founded by Kevin Masse in 2019, the bakery began as a humble cottage operation out of his home, with a mission to bring the art of sourdough bread to the heart of Connecticut.
Today, Small State Provisions has evolved into a thriving business with a 2,200-square-foot bakery and cafe at the Avon location, supplying top-tier restaurants with bread and winning the hearts of local residents.
Kevin’s journey into the food and hospitality industry wasn’t a matter of chance; it was a dream nurtured over years.
"I’ve always wanted to be in food and hospitality," Kevin says, reflecting on his early days. When he moved to the area in 2016, he quickly connected with local clean-eating advocate Terry Walters, who became instrumental in his journey to mastering sourdough.
“We’re still using the same starter we began with back then,” Masse notes, underscoring the consistency and care that goes into every loaf.
Small State Provisions initially gained traction by delivering freshly baked sourdough bread directly to people’s doors. The timing couldn't have been more perfect, as the pandemic had just begun, and the community was craving comfort in any form.
“I baked every single day during the pandemic,” says Masse.
His dedication went beyond just baking; Kevin delivered bread all over town, turning each delivery into a personal connection during challenging times.
Operating out of his home kitchen, Masse’s business grew rapidly. In July 2021, Small, State Provisions opened its first brick and mortar location inside West Hartford’s GastroPark.
It did not take long for Small State to outgrow this small space in West Hartford, leading to the addition of their to Avon bakery in 2023. The new location allowed Small State Provisions to scale up, add a full café menu and coffee bar while maintaining its commitment to quality.
Well-known local celebrity chef Tyler Anderson, Kevin says, has praised the bakery, saying, “They scaled up their products and never missed a beat.”
Kevin emphasizes the importance of cultivating a team that shares his passion for quality.
“We are very selective in who we bring onto the team,” he says. “Almost everything we do is organic, and that’s a differentiator for us. We’re passionate about the raw materials we use to produce our products.”
This commitment to excellence extends to the relationships they build, both with their suppliers and their customers.
One story that Masse recounts speaks to the impact Small State Provisions has on its community.
"A woman came in one weekend after having a rough morning. She told me that something one of our employees said made a difference for her. That’s the art of hospitality—making connections and leaving people feeling better than when they walked in," he reflects.
Looking forward, Kevin is focused on growing Small State Provisions while staying true to its roots.
“We’re happy in Avon and love West Hartford. The question now is, how do we continue to make an impact where we are?”
Despite the growth, Masse remains hands-on, ensuring that the bakery's mission and vision stay aligned. "I'm at the bakery every day, and I see the impact we have on the community," he says.
Small State Provisions, Kevin says, is more than just a bakery; it’s a community hub, a place where quality, passion and hospitality come together to create something truly special.
“Every day is a new challenge, and we’re always learning. But at the end of the day, it’s about making connections with in the community and making our community a better place through intentional hospitality.”
Small State Provisions
637 New Park Ave., West Hartford
205 Old Farms Road, Avon
Phone: 860-943-4148
Online: Smallstateprovisions.com
Email: Smallstateprovisions@gmail.com
On Socials: @Smallstate
Almost everything we do is organic, and that’s a differentiator for us.
We’re passionate about the raw materials we use.