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Photos by Leah Ingram Eagle.
From left, Jean Woods, Christy Thomas and TinaCole create tasty treats at their bakery, Lil Bit O’ Flour Bakery.
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Photos by Leah Ingram Eagle.
Lil Bit O’ Flour Bakery held its grand opening in theRiver Hill Shopping Center in Inverness on Aug. 15
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Photos by Leah Ingram Eagle.
Lil Bit O’ Flour Bakery held its grand opening in theRiver Hill Shopping Center in Inverness on Aug. 15
Christy Thomas always wanted to own her own bakery. After graduating from Culinard in September 2017, and working stints at WinnDixie bakery and a bakery shop in Trussville, her dream came true almost two years later. Thomas and her business partner, Tina Cole, were co-workers at the bakery shop, along with pastry chef Jean Woods, and the three formed a fast friendship. When Woods informed them about the vacant space of her former employer in Inverness, it took less than two weeks for Thomas and Cole to make the decision to go into business for themselves.
The space, which had been empty since the previous tenant, also a bakery, closed last February. Lil Bit O’ Flour Bakery had its grand opening in the River Hills Shopping Center on Aug. 15. Cole, who had been a manager at Gigi’s Cupcakes for seven years before the store closed, was happy to get back into doing what she loved.
Their signage at the location has the business name Lil Bit O’ Flour and underneath it “A Whole Lot O’ Faith” which comes from a text Thomas sent to Cole when they decided to start the business.
“We never realized an opportunity like this would come about,” Thomas said. “We saw the space, and it was basically ready to go. When I first walked in the door, I was like this is home, this is where I’m supposed to be.”
Woods said after working at the bakery for over three years under the previous two owners, coming in with Thomas and Cole “felt like home.” The women say what sets their bakery apart from others is their concept of service, that they are there to serve their customers.
“Whatever you want to give us a couple of days we will fix it up,” Thomas said. “Whatever you’re in the mood for.”
Lil Bit O’ Flour is bringing back old recipes that aren’t found as much anymore like bread pudding and banana pudding. Plans to incorporate other treats, including fudges and fried pies, are in the works. Also, Woods creates peanut butter and oatmeal dog treats for customers’ pets. Woods can also modify nearly any recipe to be gluten free. She describes herself as the creative one that comes up with the “crazy stuff.”
“I believe in giving you your money’s worth, Woods said. “And we want you to leave with a smile.”
They want customers to walk inside and experience a fun and inviting atmosphere, taking them back to their childhood.
While specialty cakes need to be given 24- to 48-hour notice, grab-and-go items are always available and include brownie bites, lemon drops, pecan muffins, a variety of cookies and more.
The trio is excited to be working together and look forward to what the future holds.
“It’s been very fun,” Thomas said. ”I can’t get enough of being here. I could be here from sunup to sundown. We can create what we want and give our customers something new every day.
“I just want people to be happy and know we can do anything for them. We serve desserts but also serve happiness.”
Lil Bit O’ Flour is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit lilbitoflour.com or find them on Facebook and Instagram.
