Oak Ridge Mayor Tom Beehan, center front, introduces Stephanie Criswell, third from left, and Tiffany Haines, fifth from left, the owners of Emma Lou Bakery and Cafe on South Illinois Avenue. Also pictured from left are Zachary Criswell, Hailey Whitaker, Emma Haines, Nicholas Criswell, Charles Gluck (partially obscured), Oak Ridge Police Officer Daniel McFee, and an unidentified man.
After they graduated from culinary school in December 2011, sisters Stephanie Criswell and Tiffany Haines decided Oak Ridge needed a store that sold fresh, homemade doughnuts and cakes.
So, three months ago, they opened Emma Lou Bakery and Cafe off South Illinois Avenue, next to the Oak Ridge Bowling Center.
On Wednesday, they celebrated with local officials and residents at a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Besides doughnuts and cakes, the bakery sells pastries, quiche, and bread. Light lunches are also available on weekdays.
Cupcakes are one of the most popular items, Criswell said.
She and Haines graduated in 2011 from a first-time culinary program that was a joint venture between the University of Tennessee and Pellissippi State Technical Community College. They catered for about a year.
But they also wanted to have a storefront, and they recognized that Oak Ridge needed a bakery, Criswell said.
She said business has been very good overall.
Oak Ridge officials and residents celebrate the opening of Emma Lou Bakery and Cafe, next to the Oak Ridge Bowling Center, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday.
Criswell and Haines still cater, providing box lunches for businesses and catering UT events and weddings, for example.
“This is just a wonderful success story,” said Parker Hardy, Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce president.
Both sisters are married to Oak Ridge police officers, and both moved to Oak Ridge from California about four years ago.
Emma Lou Bakery and Cafe, named for Haines’ daughter Emma, is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
It’s located at 244A South Illinois Ave.
kay williamson says
two thumbs up!!!!!!!!!
Mike M says
I’ve had the opportunity to feast on their treats for a couple of years. My late mother was a great baker and cook but Tiffany Haines is the best! You will love it.
JennisonL says
I have been here twice. While the cupcakes were good that I bought, the first time we went they didn’t have many cupcake choices to choose from so we settled for the vanilla/vanilla cupcakes. The 2nd time we went I was craving a red velvet cupcake. I was very disappointed to have seen that vanilla icing was used instead of cream cheese icing. Overall, it’s not terrible, I just hope they have more options available next time I stop in.
John Huotari says
We’ve loved all the products we’ve tried, Jennison, including cupcakes, banana bread, and quiche.
Edward Sobek says
On my list to try once I get back to TN.
John Huotari says
We recommend it.
Tiffany says
Emma Lou Bakery bakes Everything from Scratch everyday. Sometimes this leaves us with only a few selections late in the day. We are really striving to be here for the long haul in Oak Ridge. We try and accomodate the smallest requests same day or next day. As for the Red Velvet, our standard frosting is Vanilla Butter Cream. We DO have Cream Cheese Frosting on special request or if we make it it can be found in our refrigerated case. if you call ahead we will be able to make the Cream Cheese version for you anytime. We offer One feature cupcake daily such as Peanut Butter and Chocolate, Strawberry, Lemon, Orange, Marble, Coconut, Carmel ect. Our Daily selections include Vanilla, Chocolate, and Red Velvet cupcakes. We also offer a wide variety of Cakes, Pastries, Dounuts, Cookies, lemon squares, quiche and brownies. We strive to keep our menu new and fresh everyday. There is always something new to Try. We strive never to disappoint our customers. We appreciate each and every one of our customers. Thank You Oak Ridge.