Curtiss & Amy Bawden

Curt Bawden and his wife Amy are coming full circle now, fulfilling a passion with their new gourmet treat shop in downtown Ellison Bay.  “The Vault,” where you can “bank on goodness” is a family-oriented shop that will offer gourmet popcorn, soft-serve, local baked goods, candy and an enchanting indoor and outdoor experience. 

Speaking of full circle, Curt worked for 6 summers in Door County beginning 1979 earning his hospitality stripes at Wilson’s, Woodland Village (now Somerset Inn), and Bay Ridge Golf Course.  Most poignantly, he ran a popcorn business that traveled the county and supported him through college while in University of Wisconsin - Stout’s Hotel & Restaurant program.  Curt also helped out at the family’s cherry orchard and farm. Post college, Curt spent 35 years in corporate food service working for companies such as Marriott and Bon Appetit at corporate facilities such as Walt Disney Studios, Monterey Bay Aquarium, and The Getty Center in Los Angeles.  

Curt and Amy met each other over a soft-serve ice cream machine in the commissary while both worked at Walt Disney Studios.  Amy worked in corporate finance and Curt managed the food service operations.  They have been married for 24 years and own a home in Ellison Bay.

Curt also spends his time as a part-time Professor at Cal State Los Angeles and is launching their new Hospitality & Leisure Services program in Fall 2021.  Since he has summers off, he will be dedicating his time to managing The Vault operations.  Amy is CFO of Doing Good Works, a California based promotional products company and social enterprise.  She will help with back-of-house functions for The Vault.

Curtiss Lenten Bawden, Curt’s dad who passed away March 2nd, 2021 enjoyed depicting gnome adventures through his expert carving of the little forest people.  Many of his original carvings will be found on display.  The giant gnome called “Lenten,” the store mascot, offers a picture-perfect moment for all to remember their visit to The Vault.  In the coming months, the extensive backyard will be transformed into “Lenten’s Land of Gnomes.”

Gourmet products to include popcorn from Minocqua Popcorn & Puffs, known for nearly 20 years of creating exciting flavors, will be made on site and pre-packaged for convenience. They will feature 10 flavors, such as Cheese, Caramel, White Chocolate Pretzel, Kettle, and Lemon Bar Puffs.  Soft-serve will be offered in fresh waffle cones with select toppings while scones and cookies will be baked on site.  Specialty candies including salt water taffy and gummies will also be offered.  

The Enchantment Room, which seats 8, can be rented for a birthday party, meeting, or other special occasion.  The grand opening is planned for June 19th.  Hours of operation will be 11a – 8p.