Hello Jackson: Woodstock Bake Shop
This post was originally published on Hello Jackson on September 9, 2013.
When you talk to any business owner, the word “niche” will probably come up at some point. Finding a niche is essential to success, and today’s featured business, Woodstock Bake Shop, has definitely found its niche! You can tell from the name that the theme is based on the culture and music of the 1960s. Woodstock Bake Shop opened in September of 2012 and serves a variety of delicious cupcakes, candies, and box lunches. The interior of the bakery is decorated with gorgeous vintage furniture, posters, and a long wall of signatures from customers. It is a wonderfully inviting atmosphere and a perfect place to meet your friends for a yummy cupcake!
Owner and baker Matt Childress has watched his mother make specialty cakes for years, so when he decided to fulfill his dream of running a business, a bakery was the natural choice. Woodstock started out with primarily homemade bread and cupcakes, which have always been made fresh each day. Rather than focusing on the large gourmet style, Woodstock makes traditional home-style cupcakes in the most amazing flavors you’ve ever tried. Each of the varieties is named after a song from the 60’s or 70’s such as Purple Haze, Proud Mary, and Strawberry Fields. As a fan of classic rock, this is one of my favorite things about Woodstock Bake Shop! Speaking of Strawberry Fields (Forever), that has been my absolute favorite flavor so far. Since opening, Matt has expanded the menu to include puppy chow, chocolate covered Oreos, Oreo balls, cookie dough balls, salted chocolate bark with pecans, and more. When fall comes around, you will begin to see pumpkin-flavored items being added to the menu, such as the fantastic pumpkin bread.
Shortly after opening Matt was asked if Woodstock could start making sandwiches for the other people in their complex. He began making chicken salad, pimento cheese, and peanut butter and jelly. After a great reception for their sandwiches, Woodstock added the $5 box lunch that includes a sandwich, cupcake, and drink. This has quickly evolved into one of their most popular items! It is perfect for office lunch gatherings or even just a quick lunch when you’re out shopping. If you stop in for lunch or a treat, you can also check out the selection of vintage aprons they have for sale alongside some awesome t-shirts.
Dale Childress, Matt’s father, recently joined the Woodstock team and is lovingly known as “Daddy Woodstock.” Dale has been in management for years, so he has been a valuable addition to the team and has always helped motivate and encourage Matt in his endeavors. Matt grew up running with his dad, and if you’re a runner, you know how much discipline it requires. Competing in races requires months of training no matter the conditions or situation you find yourself in. That strict discipline has really helped prepare Matt for the challenges of running his own business.
I always like to ask business owners how they feel they impact the community, but I didn’t even have to wait for the answer this time. Daddy Woodstock is constantly going out into the community and delivering cupcakes that brighten the day of the recipient. They post on their Facebook page when they are planning to make deliveries, and you can enter your name in the drawing. They just genuinely want to connect with community members and give them a chance to try their cupcakes! In addition to making deliveries for the business, Dale takes the time to write a special message inside each box of cupcakes or lunch. It’s a wonderful way to spread peace and happiness, which is a large part of Woodstock’s business model. The team at Woodstock Bake Shop is committed to making the day of each of its customers much brighter with incredible quality and service.
When you find yourself with a little downtime, stop by Woodstock Bake Shop, sign your name on the Woodstock wall, plop down on the vintage couch, and enjoy a delicious treat!
Woodstock Bake Shop now has two locations! The original spot is located at 80-C Innsdale Cove, right off Vann Drive, and their phone number is 731.554.1969. (1969 is the year that Woodstock took place!) The second store is located at 112 East Baltimore Street in downtown Jackson. Hours are Monday through Friday 7:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. and Saturday 8:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.. Visit their website, and make sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Kristi Woody is a photographer and storyteller for our Hello Jackson features about locally owned retail stores and restaurants. She also works as the university photographer for Union University and owns her own wedding photography business, Woody & Pearl Photography. In her free time, Kristi enjoys spending time with her husband and rambunctious beagle, Rhett and Chipper respectively. If you can't find Kristi in Jackson, you'll find her in her second favorite place: Disney World!
