A new gathering place is opening its doors in downtown Versailles.
The Porch Cafe & Bakery, owned by Versailles native Alayna Rindler, will celebrate its grand opening Friday and Saturday, welcoming the community to enjoy thoughtfully made food, baked goods and coffee.
For Rindler, a 2023 graduate of Versailles High School, the new business is the culmination of a longtime love of baking. That passion grew into Heaven’s Sweet Shoppe in 2017, through which she created custom cakes and desserts for special occasions. Over time, she began dreaming of something bigger—a place where good food could bring people together.
The idea for The Porch was inspired in part by childhood memories of sitting with her grandparents on their front porch, talking, watching cars pass and enjoying life at a slower pace. Those experiences shaped her vision for a café centered on intentionality, connection and community.
Alayna Rindler cuts the ceremonial ribbon outside Versailles’ newest establishment. Joining her are members of the Versailles Chamber: Ben Wietholter, David Harmon, Brian Wagner, Chris Hecht, Jerry Bey, Kyle Francis and Jackie Briscoe
Rindler hopes The Porch becomes a “community gathering space, where people can meet friends, family, and really become a place to cultivate community with good quality food and coffee.”
The business began as a microbakery, giving Rindler the opportunity to refine recipes, listen to feedback and build the concept from the ground up. According to The Porch’s website, the vision has always been to create a welcoming place rooted in handcrafted food, warmth, creativity and community.
When asked why she chose to open the business in Versailles, Rindler’s answer was simple.
“I am from Versailles. I love the community here,” she said. “I thought there was plenty of potential here. I feel like it just needed a gathering space. That is why I feel passionate about this new business.”
Community interest has already been strong. Rindler said The Porch received an overwhelming number of job applications—something she was thrilled to see—and has hired 11 employees.
The café will be open from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. The kitchen will serve customers from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
Rindler and her team invite the community to visit during the grand opening Friday and Saturday, experience the new space and support another locally owned small business in downtown Versailles.
More than a café and bakery, Rindler hopes The Porch will offer a place to slow down, share a meal and connect with the people around you—a modern return to front-porch culture in the heart of her hometown.
