Warehouse Bakery & Donuts has been a staple Fairhope eatery since day one. Their made from fresh from scratch approach has formed single-file lines of mouthwatering loyalists, quite literally out the doo, since its inception on November 13, 2015. The vision was born in the brilliant culinary mind of Jennifer Haffner, to open a restaurant with a both a strong sense of community and broad appeal to the local appetite.
Jennifer wanted to pair up with the guys from the Fairhope Roasting Company, which per the city had to be in the Warehouse District in order to roast their coffee, thus Warehouse Bakery & Donuts was born. Since then, Warehouse has grown to encompass a sister restaurant, District Hall. When the day ends in the bakery, the evening fun begins next door at the District, where Jennifer’s business partner, Ed Green’s signature bar food compliments classic bar games, as well as live music vibes, while maintaining an atmosphere appropriate for all ages. At the end of the day one things for sure, Jennifer loves people and she loves to treat her community like family.
Warehouse is eclectic, in that it serves a spectrum of deliciousness, from ultra healthy to over the top gluttonous. Over the top is the perfect introduction to Patty Clark, a professionally trained chef from California with a deep love for creating the most decadent sweet treats on the planet. “You don’t remember normal. My desserts are as extreme as they are memorable,” said Patty during our interview after the breakfast rush. While Jennifer’s expertise is the savory, Patty’s is the sweet. Together, they have created a menu of food that puts smiles on the face of their patrons.
“Our passion is to hit your soul through your palate.” – Patty Clark
If you’re planning a trip to Fairhope, a trip to Warehouse Bakery should most definitely have a spot on your “must do” list. If you’re still not convinced, keep in mind that nothing is served there is typical. Everything is made to widen the eyes and dampen your mouth, when it hits the table. Everything is made from scratch, that includes the sauces, the cheeses, even the jams.
So, what should you order? Well, that might depend on the time of day that you go or the mood that you’re in. Or, the script might be totally flipped when greeted with the glory of their long glass display of debauchery. One of those items just happens to be my kryptonite, Patty’s peanut butter pie. It’s the best I’ve ever tasted. Other local favorites include their fresh croissants and plump cinnamon rolls with a thick layer of Patty’s homemade buttercream icing. The buildable Budda Bowl is a lunch crowd favorite and another one of my super healthy go-to dishes, along with the District Salad topped with grilled shrimp. This salad is my second favorite salad served in Fairhope. It’s that good!
Jennifer and Patty also have a robust catering business, so keep them in mind for your next family function or corporate event. If wedding bells are in your future, I would highly recommend that you go so Ms. Patty, as you will not find a more thoughtful and boujie wedding cake on Alabama Gulf Coast. I don’t think I’ve ever met a bakery professional that takes more pride in her work.
Warehouse, a small town Alabama coffee shop where locally trained culinary artistry meets a World Food Championship caliber flavor.