Scratch Bakery Cafe

Welcome to the heart of homemade excellence in Hampton Roads! For residents and visitors alike across Virginia, when the craving hits for a dessert made with true passion and the highest quality ingredients, or a satisfying, fresh lunch, look no further than the renowned Scratch Bakery Cafe. Nestled in the historic Phoebus neighborhood of Hampton, this is more than just a bakery—it's a community fixture where everything is, as the name promises, genuinely made from scratch.

Scratch Bakery Cafe has cemented its reputation in the 757 area not only for its incredible array of baked goods but also for providing a warm, inviting cafe atmosphere. This beloved establishment, proudly identifying as a women-owned and Black-owned business, offers a friendly space to enjoy a coffee, grab a quick lunch, or indulge in a decadent dessert. It is where traditional family recipes meet gourmet, modern creativity, resulting in a menu that caters to every sweet tooth and savory appetite. From their signature Gooey Bars that first captured local attention to award-winning cakes and hearty sandwiches, Scratch Bakery Cafe truly embodies the spirit of a neighborhood gathering place.

The bakery’s commitment to quality has not gone unnoticed. It has been recognized as the Daily Press's "Best Bakery of the 757," a testament to the consistency and quality of its offerings. Moreover, the vision and talent of its founder, Lashonda Sanford, have reached national recognition, with an appearance on the Food Network’s "Holiday Baking Championship." For local Virginians searching for a truly authentic, high-caliber culinary experience, Scratch Bakery Cafe offers a taste of local pride and nationally recognized skill in every bite.

Location and Accessibility

Scratch Bakery Cafe is conveniently situated in the charming and historic Phoebus district of Hampton, Virginia, making it an accessible stop for anyone in the Hampton Roads region. The specific address is 19 E Mellen St, Hampton, VA 23663, USA. This location offers a quaint, old-town vibe, perfect for a relaxing outing.

Accessibility is a priority for the cafe, ensuring that all community members can enjoy their delicious offerings. The establishment provides a welcoming and accommodating environment with various accessible options:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot
• Free parking options are available, including a free parking lot and free street parking, which makes planning a quick visit or an extended stay hassle-free.
• The atmosphere is laid-back and friendly, ideal for a quick visit for takeout or a relaxing dine-in experience.
• The cafe also features a restroom and offers Wi-Fi, making it a comfortable spot for patrons to relax or work while enjoying their treats.

Services Offered

Scratch Bakery Cafe offers a comprehensive range of services, catering to various needs from daily treats to special events:

• Diverse Menu Offerings: Functioning as a full-service bakery, coffee shop, ice cream shop, and sandwich shop, they provide a full spectrum of food and drink options, including breakfast and lunch.
• Custom Cake Orders: Specializing in custom cakes for events such as weddings, birthdays, graduations, and baby showers, ensuring a delicious and beautifully crafted centerpiece for any celebration.
• Party & Catering: Offering a variety of party platters, including small, medium, and large party trays, perfect for office parties, family gatherings, or any event requiring a selection of gourmet desserts and treats.
• Convenient Service Options: To meet the needs of their busy Virginia clientele, the cafe provides several service choices, including:
  • Delivery
  • In-store pickup
  • In-store shopping
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in
• Payment Flexibility: Accepting all major forms of payment, including Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC mobile payments, making transactions quick and easy.

Features / Highlights

What makes Scratch Bakery Cafe a must-visit destination in the Hampton area? It’s a combination of their unique story, community dedication, and, most importantly, the exceptional quality of their food.

• Genuinely 'Made from Scratch' Promise: The entire business model is built on the philosophy of creating everything from real, quality ingredients, resulting in flavors that remind patrons of 'the dessert that your grandma used to make.' This dedication is evident in the moistness of their cakes and the rich flavors of their fillings.
• Women-Owned and Black-Owned Business: The cafe is proudly owned and operated by Lashonda Sanford, a passionate baker and entrepreneur, adding to the richness and diversity of Hampton's local business scene. Her story of building the business from a home-based hobby to a successful brick-and-mortar location is truly inspiring.
• Nationally Recognized Talent: Owner Lashonda Sanford has been featured on national television, notably competing on Season 7 of the Food Network's Holiday Baking Championship, showcasing her exceptional baking skills to a wider audience.
• Famous for the Gooey Bar and Banana Pudding: While they offer a wide array of treats, the bakery is particularly well-known for its original Gooey Bars, which helped launch the business, and their acclaimed Banana Pudding ($10.00), a popular 'Cold Case' item.
• Extensive Cupcake and Cake Slice Variety: Offering an astonishing selection of over 18 cupcake flavors daily, including popular choices like Reese Peanut Butter ($5.50), Red Velvet ($5.50), and Wedding Cupcake ($5.50), as well as large cake slices in flavors like Pineapple Upside Down ($8.00) and Jumbo Lemon ($9.50).
• Savory Lunch Options Available: Not just for dessert lovers, the cafe serves a selection of freshly prepared lunch items like the highly praised Chicken Salad Sandwich ($10.50), Chicken Pot Pie ($10.50), and sandwich duos, perfect for a meal before enjoying a sweet finish. One customer review raved that the chicken salad sandwich was "phenomenal" and lasted them two meals, showcasing the value and size of their savory offerings.

Contact Information

To visit, place an order, or inquire about custom services, please use the following contact details for the Hampton location:

Address: 19 E Mellen St, Hampton, VA 23663, USA

Phone: (757) 224-8430

What is Worth Choosing

For first-time visitors or loyal customers in search of a new favorite, the menu at Scratch Bakery Cafe is a treasure trove of delicious options. The entire experience—from the friendly service to the 'made from scratch' promise—is why this cafe consistently wins the hearts of the Virginia community.

We highly recommend trying a few standout items to get the full Scratch Bakery Cafe experience:

• The Famous Banana Pudding ($10.00): This cold case delight is a community favorite, known for its creamy texture and authentic Southern flavor. It's often cited as a must-try item.
• Gourmet Cupcakes ($5.50): With over a dozen flavors on offer, grab a Triple Strawberry, Death By Chocolate, or their signature Wedding Cupcake. A customer highlighted that the icing is "smooth, creamy, and sweet," perfectly complementing the cake.
• Jumbo Cake Slices: If you crave a large, satisfying slice of cake, choose from options like the moist Pineapple Upside Down ($8.00) or the rich Red Velvet Cake ($9.50). These portions are generous and ideal for sharing or saving for later.
• The Chicken Salad Sandwich ($10.50): For those seeking a delicious savory option, this sandwich comes highly recommended for its fresh ingredients and generous size, making it a great value for lunch.
• Vanilla Gooey Bars ($9.00): The dessert that started it all! These rich, butter-laden bars are a unique and indulgent treat that you won't find at every bakery.
• Keto and Dietary Options: Catering to various dietary needs, the cafe also offers options like the Keto Cupcake ($4.50) and Keto Brownie ($6.50), ensuring everyone can find a delightful treat.

Whether you're celebrating a special occasion with an Oversized Cupcakes Dozen - Mixed Dozen ($54.00), or just dropping in for a simple Coffee and a Jumbo Cookie ($4.50), Scratch Bakery Cafe offers a blend of comforting classics and creative, high-quality sweets and savories. Make your next visit to Hampton's historic Phoebus district a memorable one by stopping by this award-winning, community-focused cafe. You'll quickly discover why locals consider it the premier destination for fresh, homemade goodness in Virginia.