Jennifer Haffner has enjoyed baking her entire life. She started as a child in her Mom’s kitchen and is self taught through her own experience, reading and research. She kicked off her career behind the scenes at Jesse’s Restaurant in Magnolia Springs where she did all the baking for the restaurant and the adjoining market. Several years ago, she made her way into Fairhope displaying her baking and other talents at Sweet Olive in Windmill Market.
Circumstances presented themselves, as often times they do, and last Summer Haffner found herself creating the menu for a new chapter in her life.
As fate would have it, Fairhope Roasting Company had purchased a building for their business. It was a building larger than what was needed for their purposes and just happened to contain structure that suggested it been used as a kitchen in its past life. Jennifer, who has and will always be a proponent of using local resources and supporting local business, had a prior vendor relationship with the coffee purveyors. The notion of combining coffee with a bakery was just a natural compliment. Terri Carlton’s vision and foresight provided a look that also spurred the name of Haffner’s new business.
The physical location is outside the typical realm of Fairhope eateries but because of the nature of the coffee production, Fairhope Roasting has to be within a manufacturing area.  Mocking the mantra of “If you build it, they will come” has certainly worked for both businesses. Jennifer and her staff were shocked at the response from the public and refers to the first few weeks as “crazy”.
In addition to all the fabulous treats that pack the display cases, the dine-in menu at Warehouse Bakery & Donuts is something quite unique. A definite vegetarian influenced offering that is offset with an ample supply of Southern comfort food. Something the whole family can be satisfied with and enjoy. You can also get breakfast all day long. From biscuits to breakfast bowls, benedicts, waffles, pancakes, oatmeal, quinoa or granola. Soups, salads and sandwiches that include a Peruvian Po Boy, a Cuban Sandwich, Pimento Cheese BLT, Baja Burrito, Southern Chicken Sandwich, a beef hot dog or a Warehouse Cheeseburger that is completely customizable. You can build your own Buddha Bowl with a base of rice, quinoa or shredded napa cabbage, choose your protein and dressing and even top it off with a special sauce. On Friday and Saturday evenings the Warehouse is open from 5pm until 9pm featuring a pizza menu. You can create your own or choose from their  menu of pies.
Of course Warehouse Bakery & Donuts serves coffee from Fairhope Roasting Company. Their cold brew is featured on tap and there is a selection of beer and wine in addition to a few cocktails that enhance menu offerings. Special orders are always welcome and Warehouse Bakery & Donuts offers catering services as well. Warehouse Bakery & Donuts is open daily from 6am until 6pm.
Warehouse Bakery & Donuts, 759 Nichols Avenue, Fairhope (251) 928-7223 • www.warehousebakeryanddonuts.com • Facebook “Warehouse Bakery & Donuts”