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All About Jersey City’s Newest Bakery Sweets 4 Miles

by Jordan and Joelle Hernandez
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Calling all sweet lovers in Jersey City – there’s a new bakery in town. Jersey City native, Chef Monique Johnson is expanding her talents in her hometown once again with the opening of Sweets 4 Miles Bakery at 292 Martin Luther King Drive. Now that it’s officially open, read on to learn more about Bakery Sweets 4 Miles including the touching story behind this bakery and what to expect during a visit. 

sweets 4 miles bakery

(Photo credit: @sweets4miles)

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The News 

Monique Johnson has proudly claimed the title of “chef” since 1995 when her family and friends continuously asked for her baked goods. Fast forward to 2021, and Sweets 4 Miles is opening a new location in Jersey City. In 2006, Chef Monique operated out of Jersey City’s Citi Markets with a sweet shop called Sugar Cube. 

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Prior to taking over this space, Sweets 4 Miles was a home-based business specializing in desserts for family and friends’ special occasions. The location was previously occupied by HBO for the filming of “The Plot Against America” and will now be used for the new business. Today, pies, cookies, cakes, and Chef Monique’s signature red velvet cupcakes can be found at the bakery. For those looking for something sweet for that special event, she can accommodate custom orders.

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Both children and adult aspiring bakers can take part in classes at the new space. A children’s summer camp and a six-week baking course for adults will kick off in July. Some areas of focus for culinary courses outside of baking include stir fry, Italian cuisine, quick bread, and soul food. Calendars for these courses and more will be available soon. 

The Story 

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(Photo credit: @sweets4miles)

After receiving an associate degree in Culinary Arts and a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management, Chef Monique gave birth to her son Miles. While Monique started to work on her dream of owning her own bakery, Miles was diagnosed with astrocytoma, also known as brain cancer. During his fight with cancer, Miles would help his mom as an unofficial assistant at the Citi Markets and even handed out samples. 

Monique’s career changed when she was invited onto the Queen Latifah Show to share Miles’ story. During her visit to the show, she provided tastings of her sweet treats to Queen Latifah. That tasting landed her a role baking dessert for the entire cast and crew of the show. Chef Monique worked tirelessly as a mom, chef, schoolteacher, and businesswoman until Miles’ brain cancer returned.

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Monique’s passion for her work and love for her family allowed her to keep pushing forward in her career despite hardships. Unfortunately, in 2008 at just 15 years old, Miles lost his battle to brain cancer and passed away. To honor his memory, Chef Monique now runs Miles 2 Go, a non-profit that provides birthday cakes to children with life-threatening illnesses. 

Open for Business 

sweets 4 miles bakery

(Photo credit: @sweets4miles)

On Friday, June 11th, Sweets 4 Miles hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony and balloon launch in honor of Miles, Jersey Digs reported. The shop is now open for business and can be enjoyed by all. For more information on treats offered or to place an order, visit the Sweets 4 Miles website or Facebook. The shop can also be found on Instagram under the handle @sweets4miles

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