5 Specialty Bakery Success Stories [2024]

Pat Walls

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Updated: November 1st, 2023

Start A Specialty Bakery

Specialty bakeries are renowned for their exceptional quality baked goods, crafted with an unparalleled level of skill and precision.

These bakeries offer a diverse range of unique products that go beyond the usual fare found in regular bakeries.

From handcrafted fondant pieces and edible flowers to elaborately tiered cakes and custom-made wedding cakes, specialty bakeries are experts in creating a variety of one-of-a-kind baked goods that are guaranteed to please any palate.

These bakeries are committed to providing their customers with an extensive selection of options that cater to their individual preferences, dietary requirements, and special occasions.

Whether you're searching for a stunning cake for a special event or simply want to indulge in some luxurious treats, specialty bakeries are the perfect choice for those who appreciate the finer things in life.

Here are some real life success stories of starting a specialty bakery:

1. ChipMonk Baking ($1.08M/year)

The founders of ChipMonk, David Downing and Jose Hernandez, came up with the idea for their low carb, gluten-free dessert business after Jose, who was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, baked his own low carb chocolate chip cookies. Realizing the opportunity to fill a market gap, they started selling their cookies at local farmer's markets before scaling up production and launching their website. They have since raised $350,000 and are focused on building their own bakery and warehouse space to support future growth.

How much they make: $1.08M/year
How much did it cost to start: $5K
Current team size: 10

How We Started A $25K/Month Low-Carb, Gluten-Free Desserts Business

ChipMonk co-founders built a mail-order bakery selling low carb, gluten-free desserts, making around $25,000 a month with growth through e-commerce, and plans to tighten budgets and conserve cash in challenging times.

About

David started ChipMonk Baking about 5 years ago

Revenue

David grew the business to $90K/month

Costs

It cost David $5000 to start the business

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2. Liberated Specialty Foods ($1.2M/year)

After her daughter was diagnosed with multiple autoimmune diseases, Stacey started hand-making food to meet her daughter's dietary needs. Realizing the need to help others in a similar position, she founded Liberated Specialty Foods to provide baked goods and sauces that are free from additives. The business has grown rapidly, with over 1,000 retailers now selling their products, including major chains like Whole Foods and Walmart.

How much they make: $1.2M/year
Current team size: 20

How I Started A $100K/Month Food For Auto-Immune Sufferers Business

Liberated Specialty Foods saw impressive growth, going from 100 retailers in 2016 to over 1,000 currently, while selling a range of foods online and in stores that are suitable for Keto, Paleo, Atkins, and trending diets, with a focus on helping those suffering from autoimmune diseases like Crohn’s and Colitis.

About

Stacey started Liberated Specialty Foods about 9 years ago

Revenue

Stacey grew the business to $100K/month

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Learn more about starting a specialty bakery:

Where to start?

-> How much does it cost to start a specialty bakery?
-> Pros and cons of a specialty bakery

Need inspiration?

-> Examples of established specialty bakery
-> Marketing ideas for a specialty bakery

Other resources

3. Lil Buff Protein ($960K/year)

Christine Moore, the founder of Lil Buff Protein, came up with the idea for her business when she was competing in bodybuilding and craving sweets while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. She created a protein cake mix that had the same nutrition facts as her diet meals, and after posting about it on social media, she received a lot of demand. With encouragement from friends, she decided to start Lil Buff Protein and within the first year, her husband quit his job and they were able to pay off all of their debt.

How much they make: $960K/year
Current team size: 10

How Christine Moore Started A Healthy Cake Treat Product

Lil Buff Protein boasts a profitable growth story, having sold 300 mixes at a local bodybuilding expo, grossing $5000 in the first month of launching the business, and doubling sales each year; its founder, Christine Moore, makes it personal by connecting through social media, answering all DMs and delivering hand-signed thank-you cards with each order.

About

Christine started Lil Buff Protein almost 8 years ago

Revenue

Christine grew the business to $80K/month

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