Sweet Auburn Bread Company

For residents of Georgia and visitors to the Atlanta area, the name Sweet Auburn Bread Company evokes images of warmth, tradition, and, most famously, a world-class slice of sweet potato cheesecake. Nestled in the heart of Atlanta’s historic Sweet Auburn district, this bakery is far more than just a place to grab a dessert; it is a beloved community institution dedicated to the craft of Southern-style baking, where every recipe is said to be full of memories and love.

Founded in 1997 by the celebrated Pastry Chef Sonya Jones, Sweet Auburn Bread Company quickly established itself as a fixture in the local culinary scene. Chef Jones, a graduate of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, combines her professional training with the deep-rooted traditions of African-American and Southern baking that she learned from her family while growing up. Her commitment to using fresh ingredients and baking everything from scratch has cemented the bakery’s reputation for quality, earning it features on major networks like CNN and Food Network, and recognition in publications like Ebony Magazine.

The bakery's enduring success lies in its ability to offer a perfect blend of nostalgic Southern comfort and innovative twists on classic recipes. Their specialty items are often hailed as "baking memories," prompting customers to recall the flavors of their own grandmothers' kitchens. When you step inside this charming spot, you are not just a customer; you are part of a continuing story of Black entrepreneurship and culinary excellence on one of Atlanta’s most historically significant avenues, just steps away from the Martin Luther King Jr. Center. This deep connection to the community and a commitment to quality baking has made Sweet Auburn Bread Company a must-visit destination in the city of Atlanta.

Location and Accessibility

Sweet Auburn Bread Company is strategically located to be a convenient stop for locals, students, and tourists exploring the historical and cultural heart of Atlanta.

The address is:

234 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA

Situated in the vibrant and historic Sweet Auburn neighborhood, the bakery is easily accessible for those working or living in downtown Atlanta and the surrounding areas like Old Fourth Ward (O4W). For those interested in the area's rich history, the bakery is a perfect stop, often serving as a landmark on a walking tour to nearby locations such as the Auburn Avenue Research Library and the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park.

In terms of accessibility for all patrons, the business is dedicated to providing a comfortable experience. Service options include a quick visit, and the location is noted to have a wheelchair accessible entrance and a wheelchair accessible parking lot, demonstrating a consideration for all guests. The location operates on a takeout-only basis, making it an excellent choice for picking up a treat on the go or securing a delicious centerpiece for a special occasion at home. Payment is also made simple, with acceptance of credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments for a seamless transaction.

Services Offered

Sweet Auburn Bread Company specializes in traditional Southern baked goods, all made from scratch and fresh daily. The diverse menu ensures there is a perfect sweet treat for any occasion, whether it’s a quick breakfast or a lavish holiday feast. They offer a comprehensive selection of baked goods available for takeout.

• Muffins: A variety of homemade breakfast treats, including Southern-inspired flavors like Sweet Potato N Molasses and Naked Hummingbird, alongside classics such as Raisin Bran, Caramel-banana Nut, and Chunky Applesauce & Cinnamon. Seasonal Fresh Fruit muffins are also offered, each priced at $2.00.
• Homemade Cookies: Available individually or by the Baker's Dozen (13 for $12.00). Choices include Chocolate Chips, Oatmeal Raisin, and Peanut Butter cookies.
• Pies: A core element of Southern baking, their pie selection features the signature Sweet Potato Pie ($15.00), along with Southern Pecan ($23.00), Chocolate-bourbon Pecan ($28.00), Buttermilk Lemon Chess ($16.00), Toasted Coconut-pineapple Chess ($21.00), and Old Fashioned Egg Custard ($15.00).
• Cheesecakes: The famous Sweet Potato Cheesecake ($45.00) is the centerpiece, complemented by Mississippi Mud ($40.00), Buttermilk N Vanilla ($35.00), and Strawberry ($40.00).
• Classic 3 Layer Cakes: Made from scratch for impressive celebrations, options include Red Velvet ($55.00), Carrot ($45.00), Coconut ($55.00), Italian Cream ($50.00), Lemon Cheese ($60.00), Caramel ($65.00), German Chocolate ($55.00), Chocolate ($45.00), Hummingbird ($55.00), and Lane Cake ($65.00).
• Pound Cakes: A classic Southern dessert, the pound cakes come in flavors such as Cream Cheese ($40.00), Chocolate Buttermilk ($40.00), Brown Sugar ($35.00), Lemon ($35.00), and Sweet Potato with Maple Glaze ($55.00).
• Cupcakes: Standard cupcakes are $2.50 each or $30.00 for a dozen (13), with flavors like Vanilla, Chocolate & Toffee, and Chocolate or Vanilla Buttercream Frosting.
• Creme Cupcakes Deluxe: Priced at $3.00, these feature a delicious filling piped inside, with options like Lemon Cheese with 7-minute icing and Red Velvet with cream cheese frosting.

Features / Highlights

Sweet Auburn Bread Company distinguishes itself from other Atlanta bakeries through a combination of its celebrated products, historical significance, and the personal story of its owner, Chef Sonya Jones. These highlights represent why the bakery is a true Atlanta treasure.

• Home of the World-Famous Sweet Potato Cheesecake: This dessert is the most famous offering, a unique Southern twist on a classic cheesecake that has garnered national attention. It was even famously served to President Bill Clinton during a visit to the bakery early in its history, cementing its status as a dessert "fit for a president."
• Black-Owned and Woman-Owned Business: The bakery is proudly a family-run, Black-owned, and woman-owned enterprise, with Chef Sonya Jones at the helm since 1997. This deeply connects the business to the historical legacy of entrepreneurship and community strength in the Sweet Auburn district.
• Fresh, From-Scratch Southern Baking: Chef Jones and her team are committed to baking everything fresh daily and from scratch, specializing in southern baked goods that "evoke feelings of warmth" and taste like home-cooked goodness.
• Celebrity and Media Recognition: The bakery has been featured on national media platforms, including CNN's "The Little Bakery That Could," which became the title of Chef Sonya's cookbook, as well as Food Network shows like "$40 A Day" and "Road Tasted," and praised by culinary personalities such as Rachael Ray.
• Historic Location: The bakery is a fixture in the historic Sweet Auburn neighborhood, a district central to Atlanta's African-American history and the Civil Rights Movement. Its location adds a layer of cultural significance to every visit.
• Exceptional Customer Service: Customers frequently praise the warmth and kindness of the staff, noting how helpful Chef Sonya and her son, Windsor Jones, are in explaining the products and history, often sharing the story of the bakery with pride.

Contact Information

For Georgians planning a visit or needing to place an order, here is the essential contact information for Sweet Auburn Bread Company.

• Address: 234 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
• Phone: (404) 805-7992

What is Worth Choosing

For a first-time visitor or a Georgia native looking to indulge in an authentic Southern treat, the choice is clear: Sweet Auburn Bread Company is a cornerstone of Atlanta's dessert scene, delivering flavor and history in every bite.

First and foremost, the

Sweet Potato Cheesecake

is the undeniable star and a non-negotiable choice. Described by customers as "unbelievable," this world-famous dessert offers a sweet and creamy filling made from real sweet potatoes, often featuring a buttery pound cake base instead of a traditional graham cracker crust. It’s a delicious, refined take on a Southern staple that has truly earned its national acclaim. As one enthusiastic customer noted, upon their first bite, they "just sat for a moment savoring the wonderful flavors, it is that delicious!!!"

Beyond the signature cheesecake, customers consistently rave about the baked-from-scratch

Pound Cakes

, particularly the traditional Cream Cheese or the bright Lemon variety. The bakery's commitment to quality is evident in these simple, yet perfectly executed cakes. Another popular option for those seeking a deeper Southern comfort is the classic Sweet Potato Pie, a mainstay that speaks directly to Chef Jones's heritage. For a smaller, more unique indulgence, the homemade cookies, such as the Chocolate Chip or Oatmeal Raisin, offer a fresh, comforting taste that is perfect for a quick snack.

Choosing to purchase from Sweet Auburn Bread Company is not just about satisfying a sweet tooth; it's about supporting a deeply rooted family-run business that has persevered and thrived in the historic Sweet Auburn district for decades. It's a taste of Atlanta history, baked with love by Chef Sonya Jones, and a true testament to Southern culinary excellence. Stop in, grab a slice of history, and taste the memory.