2003
10
$350,000
$35,000
$650,000
No
Highland Bakery is more than just a place for baked goods—it’s a warm, welcoming community hub where handcrafted breads, pastries, and wholesome meals come together to create a truly memorable experience. Originating from the vibrant city of Atlanta, Georgia, Highland Bakery has built a devoted following for its fresh, scratch-made food and its commitment to sustainability, authenticity, and Southern hospitality. Known for its rich selection of baked goods, hearty breakfasts, gourmet sandwiches, and creative desserts, Highland Bakery has become a neighborhood favorite and a thriving brand ready to expand its footprint nationwide.
For aspiring entrepreneurs passionate about food, hospitality, and community, the Highland Bakery franchise presents an opportunity to own a proven business model that blends artisan craftsmanship with operational excellence. With its growing brand recognition, streamlined systems, and robust training programs, Highland Bakery empowers franchisees to deliver a consistent, high-quality dining experience that customers crave—morning, noon, and beyond.
Highland Bakery stands out as one of the most promising bakery café franchises in the United States. Unlike typical bakery chains, Highland Bakery blends the charm of a local artisan bakery with the efficiency and profitability of a scalable restaurant operation.
Key reasons to invest include:
Proven Concept: Established in a competitive market, the Highland Bakery model has been refined for operational efficiency and consistent profitability.
Diverse Menu Appeal: From breakfast favorites and organic coffee to gourmet sandwiches and pastries, Highland Bakery caters to a wide demographic—families, professionals, and students alike.
Strong Brand Equity: With over two decades of excellence, Highland Bakery has earned a trusted reputation in the restaurant and bakery industry.
Community-Driven Culture: The franchise thrives on neighborhood engagement and creating spaces where people gather, connect, and celebrate.
Comprehensive Support: Franchisees benefit from complete training, marketing support, and ongoing operational guidance from the corporate team.
Highland Bakery began its journey in 2003 in the heart of Atlanta, Georgia, founded by Stacie Vande Wetering, a passionate entrepreneur with a deep love for baking and a desire to create meaningful community connections through food. What started as a small, local bakery supplying fresh, handmade goods to nearby coffee shops soon evolved into a thriving neighborhood café known for its warm atmosphere, hearty breakfasts, and baked-from-scratch delights.
Stacie’s vision was simple yet powerful: serve real food made from real ingredients—without shortcuts, preservatives, or pre-packaged mixes. This commitment to authenticity quickly set Highland Bakery apart in a market saturated with commercial bakeries. Over the years, the bakery gained a loyal following among Atlanta locals, college students, and visitors seeking homestyle meals crafted with care.
By the late 2000s, Highland Bakery had expanded into multiple café locations across Georgia, becoming a beloved brand synonymous with community gatherings, comfort food, and Southern charm. Its diverse menu—featuring signature dishes like sweet potato pancakes, creamy shrimp and grits, and freshly baked breads and pastries—helped position it as more than just a bakery; it became a culinary destination.
Recognizing the growing national demand for authentic, artisan-inspired dining experiences, Highland Bakery launched its franchise program to share its success model with passionate entrepreneurs across the United States. Today, the brand maintains a strong presence in the Bakery Café and Fast Casual Restaurant segment, an industry that continues to experience steady growth driven by consumer preferences for fresh, locally made food in a relaxed setting.
With 10+ locations and continued expansion throughout the Southeast, Highland Bakery has solidified its reputation as a community-focused brand that blends hospitality, craftsmanship, and profitability. Each franchise location upholds the same quality standards and brand values that made the original Atlanta bakery a household name.
Highland Bakery’s leadership team continues to guide the company with a mission to “bring people together over good food,” ensuring that every new franchise location delivers not only delicious baked goods but also a sense of connection and belonging.
Industry Category: Bakery Café / Fast-Casual Restaurant
Founded: 2003
Founder: Stacie Vande Wetering
Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Total Units (2025): 10+ (Company-owned and franchised combined)
Ownership Type: Privately held, franchise-based growth model
Market Presence: Southeast USA with national expansion underway
Highland Bakery ensures every franchise partner is fully equipped to succeed through an extensive training and support program covering every aspect of business ownership.
Pre-Launch Support:
Site Selection & Lease Negotiation: Guidance in choosing a high-traffic, demographically suitable location with strong visibility and accessibility.
Design & Build-Out Assistance: Support in layout design, interior aesthetics, and kitchen setup to maintain brand consistency and customer experience.
Pre-Opening Training: Intensive hands-on instruction in operations, staffing, food preparation, customer service, and management.
Operational & Ongoing Support:
Initial Onboarding: A combination of classroom and in-store training covering daily operations, point-of-sale systems, menu execution, and cost control.
Marketing & Advertising: Comprehensive local and digital marketing campaigns, social media strategies, and promotional materials designed by the corporate team.
Supply Chain Management: Access to approved vendors and reliable distribution channels for consistent product quality and pricing.
Field Support & Business Coaching: Dedicated franchise representatives provide ongoing business reviews, performance analytics, and operational consulting.
Academic & Development Support:
Franchisees also receive access to online learning modules, seasonal menu innovation workshops, and regular brand conferences that encourage continuous growth and community building among franchise owners.
The ideal Highland Bakery franchisee is more than just an investor—they are a community builder with a passion for hospitality and culinary excellence.
Preferred traits and qualifications include:
A genuine love for food, baking, and customer service.
Prior experience in restaurant management, hospitality, or small business ownership (preferred but not mandatory).
Strong leadership skills to manage teams and deliver a consistent customer experience.
Sufficient financial resources and willingness to invest in quality.
Commitment to upholding Highland Bakery’s brand standards and community-first culture.
Desire to open in high-visibility locations such as city centers, suburban communities, college towns, and mixed-use developments.
Highland Bakery franchisees are entrepreneurs who believe in creating spaces where people feel welcome—one freshly baked loaf, pastry, or breakfast plate at a time.
Estimated Investment Range: $350,000 – $650,000
Minimum Cash Requirement: $150,000
Franchise Fee: $35,000
Royalty Fee: 6% of gross sales
Marketing Fee: 2% national marketing contribution
Average Store Size: 2,000 – 3,500 sq. ft.
Total Franchise Units (2025): 10+ (Company-owned and franchised locations combined)
Expected ROI: 20% – 25% annually (depending on sales volume and operational efficiency)
Break-Even Timeline: Typically 18–24 months
Revenue Streams:
Dine-in and takeaway food sales
Catering services for corporate and private events
Bakery retail items and branded merchandise
Coffee, beverages, and seasonal menu offerings
Highland Bakery’s financial model is designed to balance profitability with long-term growth potential. Franchisees enjoy multiple revenue streams and the advantage of a brand that attracts steady repeat business year-round.
