Retail Bakery Tours in Atlanta, GA

Southern Charm and Sweet Moments: A Bakery Tour Through Atlanta

Last week, the BakeSmart team had the opportunity to spend time in the heart of the South—Atlanta, Georgia, for the Retail Bakers of America Roadshow, hosted at the Dawn Foods Distribution Center. While the event itself was packed with insight and inspiration, what truly made this trip unforgettable was the time we spent exploring the city’s thriving bakery scene.

From early morning pastries to late-afternoon cupcake runs, we were welcomed with open arms—and open ovens. In true Southern fashion, hospitality was everywhere. We exchanged warm greetings walking through neighborhoods, had meaningful conversations over coffee and sweets, and met passionate bakers crafting goods that reflect their heritage, creativity, and heart.

Atlanta is home to a rich, diverse, and vibrant community—including a flourishing network of Black-owned bakeries—and we left feeling not only full (of sweets and smiles!) but inspired by what’s possible when bakery culture meets community spirit.

We’re excited to share a few highlights from our Atlanta bakery visits. Every bakery had something special to offer, and it’s our hope that this spotlight helps celebrate their work!

Let’s dive in.

Alon’s Bakery & Market

Location: Multiple locations in Atlanta | Production facility tour

First Impression:
We knew Alon’s had a reputation for excellence, but touring their 26,000 sq ft production facility brought it all to life. Every square foot reflected intention, precision, and a relentless pursuit of quality. This wasn’t just a bakery—it was a blueprint for what’s possible when operational excellence meets culinary passion.

What We Loved:

• State-of-the-art equipment: From whip cream machines to water cutters and blast freezers, the facility was filled with thoughtfully chosen machines that made high-volume baking look almost effortless.

• Smart systems thinking: Each room was temperature-controlled for the product it housed (a cool chocolate room, a warm bread room)—proof that quality isn’t just about ingredients, but environment.

• Alon’s mindset on investment: He shared the powerful advice that guided his automation journey—“Treat your equipment like an employee. Pay it like a salary, and eventually it’ll work for you 24/7.” That approach clearly paid off.

Standout Moment:
Alon showed us a simple cardboard piece that he has custom cut from local printer that he lines his cake forms with which reduces clean time and general efficiency.  Small, inexpensive yet EXTREMELY valuable to his bottom line. 

Overall Vibe in a Few Words:
Intentional, efficient, and deeply inspiring.

Henri’s Bakery & Deli

Location: 7 locations throughout Atlanta (soon to be 8) | Production facility tour

First Impression:
A 95-year-old brand with roots deep in Atlanta’s history, Henri’s has evolved into a vibrant multi-location bakery and deli, now led by fourth-generation owner Anthony DiNardo. With a background in medical equipment sales—not pastry—Anthony’s story proves that you don’t need to come from the kitchen to grow a beloved bakery brand. His leadership and vision have transformed a family business from 2 locations to a soon-to-be 8-store operation.

What We Loved:

• Growth through business acumen: Anthony’s fresh perspective as a businessperson, not a baker, helped scale operations with smart leadership and brand consistency at the center.

• Strong leadership structure: A lean, four-person leadership team runs daily operations, showing how clarity in roles can empower fast growth.

• Blending in-house and sourced goods: Henri’s doesn’t claim to be all-from-scratch—and that’s okay. They focus on producing signature items like their famous shortbread cookies in-house while sourcing high-quality goods to round out their offerings.

Standout Moment:
We had the chance to sit with the leadership team and hear about their process, growth, and shared purpose. Seeing how systems, people, and clarity of vision can scale a beloved brand was a powerful reminder that a bakery can be both heartfelt and strategic.

Overall Vibe in a Few Words:
Legacy meets leadership—classic, beloved, and scaling smart.

The Little Tart Bakeshop

Location: 3 retail locations + 4+ farmer’s markets throughout Atlanta | Production facility tour

First Impression:
From the moment we stepped out of the car, it was clear: this bakery is powered by heart. The Little Tart Bakeshop radiates purpose and passion, from their commitment to local sourcing to their deep investment in team culture. Every detail—every bite—felt intentional and full of care.

What We Loved:

• People-first culture: Unlimited PTO in a bakery? Believe it. This team-centric model, where FOH and BOH are cross-trained by interest and comfort, is rare and refreshing—and it shows in their cheerful, connected staff.

• Product rooted in local love: From jam makers to beekeepers, everything is sourced with intention. The result? A product that feels like Atlanta—flaky, rich, and real.

• Creative expansion: After a team trip to Paris, they launched After Dark, a weekend evening program that breaks the mold—offering limited-run pastries, small plates, wine, and cocktails designed for joy and creativity, not mass production.

Standout Moment:
Learning that Sarah O’Brien, the founder who started Little Tart at a farmers market in 2010, took her leadership team to Paris to experience the very bakeries that inspired her. That spirit—of honoring origins while building something new—is felt in every corner of their space.

Overall Vibe in a Few Words:
Creative, community-driven, and full of soul.

Outside of our full tours, we made a few fun pit stops at other bakeries around the Atlanta metro area—and they’re absolutely worth mentioning!

Elf’s Cakery
A super charming, all-Christmas-themed bakery that felt like walking into Santa's actual village. Mrs. Elf herself welcomed us and shared a bit about her story. This spot is clearly a go-to for celebration cakes—especially graduation and party orders. A cheerful, feel-good visit!

Endulge Cupcakes
Modern, clean, and adorable—and the cupcakes were so good they made our top favorites list of the entire trip! They also offer custom cakes, but if you’re craving a classic cupcake done really well, this is a must-stop.

Randy’s Donuts
We actually met the owner, Calvin, while visiting another bakery (he stopped in as a customer!) and we instantly knew we had to visit his shop. Randy’s Donuts did not disappoint. Operated by twin brothers Calvin and Alvin, they have plans to open 10 locations across Atlanta—and we’re here for it! Great branding, great donuts, and a great team.

Buttersweet Bakery
Located in Historic Downtown Hapeville, this welcoming shop served up cupcakes and cookies with a side of true Southern hospitality. Miss Charlita herself waited on us and made us feel right at home. A community favorite with heart—and delicious treats.

Hansel & Gretel Bakery
This Korean-European style bakery has seven locations and it’s easy to see why. With self-serve laminated pastries (think breakfast delights!) and beautifully decorated cold desserts, this bakery was both fun and flavorful. We especially loved the bacon and egg pastry for breakfast. It’s gone viral on TikTok for good reason—go check it out!