Lanky Lassie's Shortbread

Introduction / Overview

In the historic heart of Dade City, Florida, lies a truly unique and inspiring local business: Lanky Lassie's Shortbread. This establishment is far more than a simple Bakery; it is a repository of Scottish tradition, a testament to military dedication, and a shining example of entrepreneurial spirit. Specializing exclusively in world-class, award-winning Scottish shortbread, Lanky Lassie's Shortbread offers a taste of heritage rooted in an authentic family recipe dating back to the 1800s from the owner's Great-Grandmother Murray.

The owner, Mary Katherine Mason-Alston, is a decorated U.S. Marine Corps combat veteran and, notably, a Scottish Highland Games shortbread competition champion. Her personal story of military service (2002–2008), followed by turning a beloved hobby into a successful full-time business during a career transition in 2020, is deeply woven into the fabric of the brand. Proudly identified as both veteran-owned and women-owned, the business operates as a full-scale Wholesale bakery and Catering food and drink supplier, in addition to its welcoming retail shoppe. The unique name itself is a nod to the owner’s height—nearly 6 feet tall—with the playful and memorable motto: "Long Legs. Short Bread." This dedication to authenticity, premium ingredients, and a "melt-in-your-mouth perfection" has earned Lanky Lassie's a reputation for producing "hands down the best shortbread" customers have ever tasted, inspiring nostalgic moments often paired with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Location and Accessibility

Lanky Lassie's Shortbread Shoppe is perfectly situated in the charming and historic downtown district of Dade City, Florida, making it a delightful destination for locals and travelers passing through Pasco County. The official address is 37845 Meridian Ave, Dade City, FL 33525, USA. The location is easy to find and is part of a community that values history and local commerce.

Accessibility is a priority for the shoppe, ensuring a comfortable experience for all Florida patrons. The business provides a Wheelchair accessible entrance and a Wheelchair accessible parking lot. For customers arriving by car, finding a spot is simple, as there is a Free parking lot and Free street parking available, in addition to On-site parking. The business model is structured to serve multiple needs, offering In-store shopping for a relaxed visit—often enjoyed as a Quick visit—as well as efficient In-store pickup for pre-orders. Guests who choose to spend a moment in the shoppe benefit from Wi-Fi access. Additionally, in keeping with the business's welcoming spirit, Dogs are allowed inside, and the space fosters an inclusive environment, identified as LGBTQ+ friendly and a Transgender safespace.

Services Offered

As a multifaceted specialty operation, Lanky Lassie's Shortbread offers a tailored range of services for both individual consumers and commercial clients across Florida and beyond:

• Retail Shortbread Sales: In-store shopping and Takeout of a variety of signature shortbread flavors, including the award-winning The Lanky Lassie (Original), Dark Chocolate Caramel Pecan Lassie, and uniquely Floridian flavors like Guava Lassie.
• Specialty Shortbread Products: Offering sampler packs like the Smidgen Lassie Sampler Pack and seasonal favorites such as Pumpkin Spice and Pumpkin Spice Chai Tea Latte.
• Commercial Wholesale bakery Supply: Providing their renowned shortbread to other local businesses, retail partners (like DI Sidegoods), and distributors, expanding the reach of the authentic Scottish treat across Florida.
• Event Catering food and drink supplier: Supplying large quantities of shortbread and related baked goods for corporate events, parties, weddings, and special gatherings throughout the Tampa Bay area and Central Florida.
• Convenient Ordering and Fulfillment: Offering Delivery options for customers who prefer to have their shortbread shipped directly, alongside In-store pickup for local pre-orders.
• Customized & Community Offerings: Providing specialty flavors like the Boys & Girls Club Lacoochee Lemon Blueberry, often associated with community support initiatives, and made-to-order flavor customization.
• Flexible Payment Solutions: Accepting all major payment types for convenience, including Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.
• Onsite services: Utilizing the physical shoppe for sales, product education, and a welcoming in-person customer experience.

Features / Highlights

Lanky Lassie's Shortbread is defined by a powerful blend of heritage, personal achievement, and quality:

• Veteran and Woman Ownership: Proudly veteran-owned (U.S. Marine Corps combat veteran) and women-owned, the business embodies resilience and dedication, traits customers find highly inspiring and worthy of support.
• Authentic Family Recipe: The shortbread is based on a treasured family recipe from Great-Grandmother Murray, dating back to the 1800s, ensuring a genuine taste of Scottish heritage.
• Award-Winning Quality: The original recipe is a proven winner, having taken the top prize at the Central Florida Scottish Highland Games shortbread competition.
• Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture and Flavor: Patrons consistently describe the shortbread as "melt-in-your-mouth perfection" with a "rich, buttery flavor" and an "absolutely amazing" texture—a testament to using only the finest, all-natural ingredients.
• Unique and Gourmet Flavors: Beyond the classic "The Lanky Lassie," the menu features creative, high-end shortbread variations, including the savory Savory Rosemary Himalayan Salt Lassie and regional fusion flavors like the Guava Lassie.
• Community and Inclusivity: The physical location offers a Transgender safespace and is LGBTQ+ friendly, maintaining a truly welcoming atmosphere for all customers in the Dade City area.
• Dual Retail and Wholesale Focus: Successfully operating as a direct-to-consumer Bakery while also scaling as a reliable Wholesale bakery and Catering food and drink supplier.
• The Power of Story: The business’s catchy tagline, "Long Legs. Short Bread," and the inspiring owner's journey from Marine service to entrepreneurship, provide a compelling and memorable brand narrative.

Contact Information

Florida residents interested in experiencing Lanky Lassie's Shortbread, placing a wholesale order, or arranging catering can contact the business using the information below:

Address:

37845 Meridian Ave, Dade City, FL 33525, USA

Phone:

(352) 424-8937

Mobile Phone:

+1 352-424-8937

What is Worth Choosing

For Florida customers, choosing Lanky Lassie's Shortbread is more than just selecting a treat; it’s an act of supporting a business that embodies quality, tradition, and service. The shortbread itself is reason enough, offering a genuinely "melt-in-your-mouth" experience unlike typical grocery store cookies, made from an award-winning recipe passed down through generations. This is authentic Scottish tradition, transported directly to Dade City, FL.

What truly sets Lanky Lassie’s apart is the inspiring spirit of its owner. By choosing this company, you are directly supporting a veteran-owned and women-owned local business led by a combat-injured Marine with a competitive spirit that shows in her dedication to excellence. The care and heart poured into the craft is "incredible," as one reviewer noted, and it "shows in every bite." Whether you are looking for the perfect decadent gift, a specialty item for your Thanksgiving table (like the Rosemary flavor suggested by a customer), a reliable Wholesale bakery partner for your business, or simply a nostalgic moment with a cup of tea, Lanky Lassie's delivers on all fronts. The combination of its deep heritage, its modern flavor variations (Guava Lassie!), its commitment to accessibility (Wheelchair accessible entrance, Dogs allowed inside), and its professional execution makes it the hands-down best choice for quality shortbread in the entire Florida region.