SAVVY BUSINESS


Pastry Art Bake Shoppe
Fresh treats and friendly faces
in the heart of Homewood

By Carla Jean Whitley
Owners: Carol and Dennis Gregg

What is it? Pastry Art Bake Shoppe is a cozy, mom-and-pop bakery located in downtown Homewood.

History: Carol, an artist, began baking and decorating cakes for friends and relatives as a hobby. Her sister-in-law owned Cameo Café downtown, and Carol also created cakes for them. “After that, it was kind of stop or go all out,” she says. The Greggs chose the latter option. Dennis’ background in sales and marketing combined with Carol’s creativity to form Pastry Art Bake Shoppe.

Bite-sized goodies: The bakery’s most popular item is baby bites, individual- sized pieces of Pastry Art’s delicious, moist cakes. Customers select from eight flavors and can have baby bites decorated especially to match their event, whether it’s a shower, birthday party, groom’s table at a wedding or even a replacement for a traditional wedding cake. What makes it unique? In addition to baby bites, Pastry Art is set apart by their insistence on fresh-baked goods in a neighborhood atmosphere. “We insist on baking fresh every day, so smaller items lend themselves to that,” Dennis says. “Our customers have learned to appreciate that.” Customers are greeted by a cheerful staff (“If you don’t hear laughter when you come in here, something’s wrong,” Dennis says), a variety of antiques and a collection of colorful cake plates. “We make a lot of friends, not just customers,” Carol explains. “If somebody’s late, we’ll stay open for them. If somebody’s sick, we’ll deliver to them. We are a neighborhood bakery,” Dennis says.

A day in the life: The Greggs begin work well before sunup and continue past sunset, even if the shop isn’t open. Carol continues baking throughout the day, and all-nighters aren’t unusual during busy seasons, especially for weddings. “We want it to be as fresh as it can be for someone’s special day,” Carol says.

Staff size: Four full-time, six part-time. The Greggs often employ Samford students, and some of those continue to work after graduation. “Working with young people keeps us young,” Dennis says.

What’s ahead: “We don’t want to stop growing,” Carol says. But the Greggs agree that they need to grow without compromising their founding principles: freshness, quality and friendliness.

 
November Birmingham, Alabama

  

 
Digital Newstand

View Magazine

bmag buzz

What are you doing
this Weekend?
 



 
bmag bonus


This Month's Giveaway ...
A family four pack of tickets to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring the Rockettes

Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter,
the bmag buzz, and be automatically entered for your chance to win!