Bottletree Bakery in Oxford Marks 30-Year Milestone

News Summary

Bottletree Bakery, a cherished establishment in Oxford, is set to celebrate 30 years of serving the community with delightful, made-from-scratch pastries and exceptional coffee. Owned by Cynthia Gerlach, the bakery has become a local icon, known for its croissants, brioche, and unique coffee sourced from Portland. As it approaches this milestone anniversary, Bottletree Bakery reflects on its journey, challenges, and the strong community ties that have made it a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike.

Oxford Celebrates 30 Years of Sweet Success with Bottletree Bakery

In the heart of Oxford, the Bottletree Bakery is celebrating a remarkable milestone – it’s the big 3-0! That’s right, on January 31, 2025, the beloved bakery marks three decades of delighting the community with its mouthwatering, made-from-scratch goodies. Grab your coffee and settle in as we take you on a scrumptious journey through the history that makes this bakery so special.

A Journey from Oregon to Oxford

Meet Cynthia Gerlach, the driven owner and mastermind behind Bottletree Bakery. Originally from the vibrant city of Portland, Oregon, Cynthia came to the University of Mississippi with dreams of studying physics. However, her love for culture and history led her to shift her focus to Southern studies. At just 25 years old, she discovered a cozy location at 923 Van Buren Ave. and decided to turn her passion for baking into a thriving business.

Made-from-Scratch Goodness

Bottletree Bakery has built its reputation on one simple principle: everything is made from scratch. Here, you’ll find delicious croissants, brioche, and a variety of pastries, all prepared using time-honored recipes that have remained consistent for the last 30 years. So, what’s the secret? In those early days, Cynthia fondly remembers her time baking alongside her mother, making scones and muffins, laying the foundation for her baking expertise.

While nearly every item is crafted in-house, there is one exception: the fruit filling used in the brioches is sourced rather than made. But that hasn’t stopped Cynthia from expanding her baking repertoire! Recently, she explored new decorating techniques, including creating stunning wedding cakes that are sure to impress.

Coffee that Caffeine Lovers Crave

What goes best with freshly baked goodies? A good cup of coffee, of course! Bottletree Bakery is also renowned for its perfectly brewed coffee, which Cynthia sources straight from her hometown, Portland, on a weekly basis. She’s particularly proud of her air-roasted coffee beans, which provide a smoother taste compared to traditional roasting methods. In fact, she often jokes that she wishes she could have included “And Coffee” in the bakery’s name.

Facing Challenges and Future Plans

No journey is without its bumps, and Bottletree Bakery is no exception. Rising ingredient costs have made it tough to keep prices reasonable, with two cases of eggs recently costing over $228. However, Cynthia’s determination to keep the bakery open and thriving is unwavering. She even has plans to reintroduce lunch options, which were cut during the pandemic.

A Community Cornerstone

What truly sets Bottletree Bakery apart is its dedication to the community. Over the years, Cynthia has built a loyal following, with former employees returning to share their joyful memories with their own children. To her, the bakery is more than just a business; it’s a family and a vital part of the local scene. She feels a strong connection to her community, often referring to them as her family since being far from her own.

A Place of Fate

Bottletree Bakery has become a cornerstone of Oxford, serving up fresh pastries and coffee with a side of love. Cynthia believes she was destined to be in this location, which used to be near a bus station, fittingly allowing travelers to stop by for a treat. The bakery’s decor and atmosphere reflect Cynthia’s unique taste and her training in Southern folk art, further adding to its charm. The name itself, inspired by the bottle tree symbol representing good luck, only adds to the allure.

As Bottletree Bakery approaches its 30th anniversary, it’s hard not to feel a sense of pride and gratitude for the impact it has had on Oxford. Here’s to many more years of sweet treats, warm smiles, and community spirit!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Exploring the Heart and Soul of Oxford, Mississippi: A Must-Visit Destination for History and Culinary Delights

Additional Resources

• Oxford Eagle: Bottletree Bakery Celebrates 30 Years in Oxford
• DJournal: Oxford’s Bottletree Bakery Offers Award-Winning Coffee Along with Pastries
• Oxford Eagle: Bottletree Bakery Celebrates 20 Years in Oxford
• Hotty Toddy: Woman Behind Oxford’s Favorite Bakery, Bottletree Bakery
• IndyStar: Twinkle Van Winkle Shares Oprah Apple Pie