PLAINVILLE – For Nella Lastrina, baking has always been more than just a hobby. It's a passion. Now it's her job.

Recently, Lastrina moved her operation, Nonnie’s Pies & Creations, from downtown Southington to 104 East Main St. in Plainville. “My grandchildren always called me ‘Nonnie,’ and I told them that if I ever opened up a bakery, I would call it that,” said Lastrina, who's business is now housed in the space once occupied by Mangiafico’s, a well-known bakery.

Sal Mangiafico retired recently after 26 years in business. Lastrina said Mr. Mangiafico was kind enough to teach her his recipes, ones locals had grown to love.

“We will value the customers the Mangiafico family has established through the years, and we will continue to serve the community with the same delicious menu,” Lastrina said.

“We will still offer all your favorite bakery items with the same recipes that you have grown to love,” she added. “We are not here to change anything, but only add in my pies and creations to what was already here.”

Lastrina’s recipes include cream pies, cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and other treats. Her pistachio pie will be a bakery staple. “We have something for everyone’s taste buds,” Lastrina said.

Before getting into the bakery business, Lastrina spent more than three decades in retail and customer service. After losing her job, she followed her heart, and opened Nonnie's in Southington in 2020.

Prior to that, she enjoyed making pies for family and friends, and then started selling her creations at local farmers markets and at the Apple Harvest Festival in Southington.

Since making the move to East Main Street, Lastrina said the Plainville community has been supportive. “People call up, and I answer the phone saying that we are the former Mangiafico’s,” she said.

Nonnie’s Pies and Creations, 104 East Main St., Plainville, is open Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Find the bakery online at nonniespies.com.