After a challenging year for local bakeries in 2022, Austin and Dripping Springs saw a resurgence of sweet spots popping up in 2023.

The mini bakery boom followed a year of rising costs of labor, rent and food in 2022 that caused many local spots to close. Eggs and dairy rose about 40% and 16% respectively in the southern half of the U.S. in 2022. High ingredient prices were particularly hard on bakeries, Community Impact previously reported, as sweet treats are often the first to go when consumers cut down on eating out. However, bakers saw some relief in 2023 as dairy costs decreased 170%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Many new bakeries in the Austin area tout an additional service or niche menu item to separate them from the competition. Local chef Lorin Peters upgraded her cookie food truck Cookie Rich to a brick-and-mortar spot in Tarrytown and opened a savory pastry concept next door. Rose Haven Bakery opened with an event space to fill a “giant gap in the market” for nonwedding events, owner Christy Seguin said.

The Rose BakeryCookie Rich and Goldy’s
Cookie Rich and Goldy’s opened in Littlefield’s in July. (Courtesy Goldy’s and Cookie Rich)
The Rose Haven Bakery and VenueThe Great British Baking CompanyHayley Cakes and CookiesWolf and Wheat