Simma's Bakery expanding in Wauwatosa with closing of PJ's Frame & Gallery

As Simma's Bakery celebrates 31 years in business, its owners are preparing to knock out a hole in the wall and begin a long-awaited expansion next door to open the next chapter of their business on 68th Street in Wauwatosa.

The Carollos have not yet applied for approvals from the city for the project, but have purchased the building.

"We've been trying to grow the business and we just needed more space to grow," said Peggy Carollo, who owns the bakery with her husband, Mark. "I feel like we're a landmark in Tosa, and we have wonderful customers and wanted to stay in the area."

The opportunity for expansion arose with the closing of PJ's Frame & Gallery at 805 N. 68th St., two doors down from Simma's. The store in between them, the Uniform Place, is planning to sidestep into the PJ's space May 30 to allow Simma's to expand next to its current location.

Although Simma's has been in business for decades, the Carollos only took over four years ago. They kept the famous cheesecake and other recipes from the original Simma, who now smiles on the shop from a framed photo on the wall. But they have also added some of their own products.

Carollo said the expansion will allow the bakery to continue expanding its pastry line and dedicate a space for consulting with couples on wedding desserts.

In their current setup, Carollo said space is always a limiting factor. While the shop is open just six days a week, she said bakers are there nearly 24 hours a day every day to keep up with the demand from customers.

"We're working all around the clock, using every inch available," Carollo said. "We've always talked about expanding and I'm just so excited to see it evolve."

Carollo said she hopes to have the expansion complete and ready for business by Thanksgiving.