30 Minute Marinade
For over 30 years, Chris has been perfecting the art of crafting marinades. When the company he worked for went bankrupt, he took a leap of faith and started his own marinade business in Mobile. What began as a small venture in 2016 has grown into a thriving success, with his products now available in over 170 stores, spanning from Pensacola to Louisiana. Chris is deeply grateful for the blessings along the journey and gives all the glory to God for making it possible. His story is a testament to resilience, faith, and the power of never giving up.
Alla Prima
The dream of starting a coffee roasting company began to take shape in 2020, during the challenges of the COVID pandemic. Summer, a dedicated teacher, decided to open a wholesale roastery, renting a small room in
downtown Pensacola and purchasing her very first coffee roasting machine. Balancing two careers, she worked tirelessly to grow her business, seeking wholesale clients and perfecting her craft. By the Fall of 2023, as her passion for coffee flourished, Summer made the courageous decision to leave teaching and fully dedicate herself to her dream. She also expanded by leasing the cafe space at the front of her roastery. Today, Alla Prima Coffee Roaster is a vibrant specialty coffee shop and micro roastery, offering handcrafted beverages, food, retail coffee, merchandise, barista training, roasting classes, and even local fine art—including Summer’s own paintings. Follow Summer and the Alla Prima team as they continue to transform and elevate the coffee experience across the Southeast!
Bagelheads
Founded in 1998, Bagelheads began as a dream shared by a group of bagel enthusiasts with a passion for creating delicious, high-quality bagels from scratch. Staying true to their “No BS” promise, they guarantee every product is both wholesome and flavorful. Pair their handmade bagels with their 100% sustainably sourced Arabica coffee, expertly roasted in-house for the perfect complement. At Bagelheads, every bite and sip reflect their commitment to quality, honesty, and sustainability.
Bakies
The story of Bakies Bake Shop began in the early 1970s when Becky McClelland discovered her passion for baking. As a teenager, she started baking and decorating birthday cakes for her children, Chris and his sibling, as well as for family gatherings and friends. The sweet aroma of Becky’s freshly baked cakes often filled the house, and her children encouraged her to one day open her own bakery. Over the years, Becky continued sharing her talent, baking cakes for birthdays, family events, and special occasions. In January 2006, her long-held dream became a reality. Alongside her son, Chris and his late wife, Tami, Becky opened Bakies Bake Shop in a commercial kitchen with a small storefront in their childhood home in East Brewton, AL. Today, Bakies is a small-batch bakery where everything is made from scratch using cherished family recipes, including their famous Red Velvet Cupcake—hailed as the best you’ll ever eat!
Bee Sanctuary
Zoie’s journey into beekeeping began at just nine years old when her dad, Shelby, brought home a couple of hives. Her curiosity was instantly sparked. Under Shelby’s guidance and alongside her mom, Rizza, Zoie delved deeper into the world of bees. Together, Zoie and Rizza earned their Apprenticeship in Beekeeping through the University of Florida’s Master Beekeeper Program—a remarkable achievement for someone who wasn’t even old enough to drive.
It was during this time that Bee Sanctuary Honey Farms was born. Shelby and Rizza envisioned a bright future for their daughter, free from college debt and filled with entrepreneurial experiences. By the time she turned 18, Zoie had taken the reins of the business, working tirelessly to build relationships with local businesses, all while balancing her studies and navigating challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic. Her hard work paid off as she graduated college debt-free. Now, with over a decade of experience, Zoie continues to learn and grow in the art of beekeeping and the family business. Bee Sanctuary Honey Farms stands as a testament to love, dedication, and the sweet rewards of hard work. Made with love.
Big Creek Farm
The story of Big Creek Farm traces back to the early 1800s, when the Fortune family began farming in Laurel Hill, Florida. One of the earliest photos of the farm captures a moment in time, featuring Eunice Steele—third from the left—posing proudly with a few of her nine siblings and their prize mules. This treasured photo, slightly altered, now serves as the farm’s logo, honoring the hardworking spirit and traditions of those early days. For current owner Mark Fortune, the roots of Big Creek Farm were planted over 40 years ago when he was gifted two orphaned piglets, affectionately named “Snorkle” and “Porkle.” These adventurous companions joined him on daily fishing trips and sparked his lifelong appreciation for pigs’ curious and playful personalities. After nearly two decades of commercial fishing in Alaska, Mark returned to his farming heritage. Today, Big Creek Farm boasts one of the largest herds of Pure-bred Heritage Tamworth hogs in the United States. “I still enjoy watching the piglets run around and get into trouble,” Mark shares, reflecting on his deep connection to the land and animals.
Brala’s Garlic Whip
In the 1950s, Paul Brala grew up using powdered garlic, but everything changed when he joined the Navy at 19 and discovered fresh garlic in the Mediterranean. Hooked, he began experimenting with garlic sauces from around the world, realizing they not only tasted great on their own but also elevated his cooking. In 2017, Paul shared his homemade garlic sauce with his family, and his daughter and son-in-law were blown away, encouraging him to do something with it. After two years of perfecting the recipe, the Original Brala’s Best Garlic Whip was born. Now, as a family-owned food startup, we’re thrilled to share this versatile spread and dip that transforms any meal into something extraordinary—whether as a quick garlic bread, a veggie dip, or a meat rub.
C&D Mill
C&D Mills began as a humble project in a tiny mill, where Dorothy and her husband worked to fund their children’s college dreams. What started as a labor of love quickly grew into a Southern sensation, thanks to the rich, creamy texture and authentic flavor of their grits. Word spread, and soon their products became staples in restaurants and farmer’s markets across the Florida Panhandle. Today, C&D Mills stands as a proud testament to hard work, tradition, and the power of community. From family tables to fine dining, their grits continue to bring people together with every bite.
Craft Bakery
A small-town girl from Garden City, KS, Jordan grew up baking with her mother and grandmother, who passed down the love of perfection in the kitchen. Her grandmother was renowned for her incredible pies, and Jordan inherited her steady hands and dedication to detail. After earning a degree in baking and pastry, Jordan honed her craft working in Louisville, KY, where she developed the refined palate, she proudly claims today.
In 2013, Jordan moved to Pensacola, where she met George and Luba Lazi in December 2014. She joined the team at George Artisan Bakery & Bistro, where she designed the pastry and dessert menu and eventually led the bread department. With a strong foundation built at George Artisan, Jordan was ready to bring her own dream to life. And so,the idea of Craft was born.
D &D/ Gerner
Fifteen years ago, a sailor crossed the street to ask for tools to build a beehive. After moving away, the sailor gifted the hive to Doc, sparking his journey into beekeeping. He started raising bees in his backyard near the naval base, and just four years later, expanded to a 5-acre lot in Cantonment. By 2023, Doc had grown his hive collection to over 105 and plans to continue expanding this year. His operation now spans multiple locations, including Cantonment, near UWF, Molino, and Walnut Hill.
Dr. Bills Cane & Maple Syrup
Dr. Bill, an inventor at heart and a foodie by nature, moved from the north to South Louisiana, completely unaware of how his life was about to change. As a pediatric orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Bill not only met and married his wife, Tiffani, in New Orleans, but he was also introduced to the Southern staple, cane syrup. Having grown up with classic maple syrup, Dr. Bill was immediately captivated by the rich sweetness of cane syrup and decided the two should be combined. Drawing from his medical background, he experimented by blending the syrups with Vitamin D until he perfected the formula. Today, you can find Dr. Bill’s Cane and Maple Syrup on grocery store shelves and in restaurants throughout the panhandle!
East Hill Honey
Chris, the founder of East Hill Honey, has always been fascinated by bees. Ten years ago, he started with just a couple of hives and gradually grew his operation to 1,000 hives over time. Deeply inspired by the importance of honeybee populations, Chris dedicates his work to ensuring their sustainability and thriving future. He’s grateful for the support of his customers and is committed to providing them with the highest quality honey.
Fix Coffee Company
What started as a college student simply trying to make ends meet became a journey to coffee mastery and entrepreneurship! In 2008, Alan, a college student working at Starbucks, discovered their Coffee Mastery program. With his natural drive, Alan was determined to earn the title of Coffee Master. Armed with newfound knowledge and skills, he expanded his horizons by joining a local coffee shop in downtown Pensacola, where he deepened his expertise in coffee beans and brewing. After years of hard work, guidance from incredible mentors, and unwavering support, Alan opened his own coffee shop in 2019, serving the Pensacola community ever since!
Golden Harvest Honey
Gold Harvest Honey has been a cherished family business for over 40 years, founded by Morgan Bullard’s father. Ten years after its creation, Morgan joined the team, and 25 years ago, when his dad was ready to retire, Morgan eagerly took the reins. Together with his wife, Deansen, they’ve poured their hearts into keeping the business thriving for the past 8 years. Morgan’s love for bees runs deep, passed down from his father, and he’s become a true expert in the field, even earning the title of “bee man” around town. As a master bee remover, Morgan always puts the lives of the bees first, and his passion for the work shines through in everything he does. Gold Harvest Honey isn’t just a business—it’s Morgan’s life, and he’s dedicated to seeing it thrive for many years to come!
Joyce’s Cheese Straws
Over 30 years ago, Joyce began her career as a caterer, all while perfecting her cheese straw recipe on the side. Eight years ago, she finally achieved her goal, and her business took off. To this day, Joyce and her dedicated team still handmake each batch of cheese straws every day, serving them across the central and southern Alabama region. We’re so lucky to have these delicious treats available right here in Pensacola, Florida!
Kelly’s Pies
Kelly has always had a taste for key lime pies. So, she traveled the world to taste and create the tastiest key lime pies there is! Now her flavors have expanded to meet everyone’s tastebuds with other pies like Bushwacker Pie, Strawberry Pie, Peanut Butter Pies and more!
Mable’s Old Texas Pickles
Mable’s Old Texas Pickles holds a special place in Todd’s heart, inspired by fond memories of growing up with his grandmother in Old Texas, Alabama. The label features a hand-drawn portrait of his grandmother in her senior year of high school, created by Todd himself. While the recipe and the memories are dear to Todd, his passion also lies in connecting with nature on his farm, Family Orchid Farms.
In 2018, Todd purchased the property with the dream of offering fresh farm eggs, grass-fed sheep, chickens, peacocks, and more. Despite the challenges of 2020, Family Orchid Farms persevered and now thrives, bringing that dream to life every day. The farm offers therapeutic services to the public, provides opportunities for volunteers to gain new skills, and educates the community through their YouTube channel.
Macdaddy Coffee
The owner of Bagelheads since 1998, they started roasting their own coffee in 2010, dedicating years to perfecting the craft. After parting ways with Bagelheads, they decided to focus on their true passion—coffee. Expanding into wholesale, they introduced Macdaddy Coffee, which is now available in local Pensacola stores and can be shipped worldwide through their online shop.
Sandy’s Sweet Bread
Sandy’s Sweet Bread has been delighting the panhandle region for nearly 14 years! What began as a thoughtful gift for friends and family soon became a beloved southern sensation. Every day, Sandy is inspired by the joy her bread brings to others. She’s deeply grateful for her customers and finds happiness in making people smile. Sandy plans to keep baking her sweet bread for as long as she can, sharing joy with each loaf. She even receives calls from all over the country, with customers requesting her bread after shopping at Bailey’s!
Sealey Sauce
Eric Sealey always made his own hot sauce to share with family and friends. In 2020, he and his family experimented with cayenne peppers from their garden, working together through trial and error to perfect their recipe. What began as a backyard creation has now become a local favorite across the panhandle! Owning a small business is no easy feat, and Eric truly appreciates the messages from customers expressing how much they enjoy his sauce. These messages inspire and drive his business every day.In 2018, Todd purchased the property with the dream of offering fresh farm eggs, grass-fed sheep, chickens, peacocks, and more. Despite the challenges of 2020, Family Orchid Farms persevered and now thrives, bringing that dream to life every day. The farm offers therapeutic services to the public, provides opportunities for volunteers to gain new skills, and educates the community through their YouTube channel.
Stuart’s Pickles
What started as a family business in a homegrown garden has grown into something much larger. Allison’s dad was known for his famous recipe, and Allison has always been hands-on with the process. Three years ago, as her parents prepared to retire, Allison and her husband took the reins, and since then, Stuart’s Pickles has expanded across Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. Today, Stuart’s Pickles has undeniably become the South’s favorite pickle!
T’s Bees
Thirteen years ago, a father, son, and his best friend decided to buy a few beehives and offer pollination services to local farms. Little did they know that this simple idea would evolve into something much more. As they learned more about bees, their relationships with local beekeepers deepened, sparking a passion they never imagined would take them this far. Nine years ago, the son branched out and started what is now TbeeS Honey, selling at local farmers’ markets. Soon after, he married, and along with his wife and team, they shifted their focus from just providing local honey to creating a wide range of products made from all the goodness of the entire beehive.