In the heart of Fayetteville, Georgia, a simple tray of homemade cheesecakes at a friend’s gathering sparked what would become one of the area’s most cherished new bakeries. For Doris M. Smith, the owner of Cheesecakes by Lola, retirement in 2023 wasn’t an endpoint but rather the beginning of a sweet new chapter. Located in a charming space at 725 Lanier Avenue East, this family-owned establishment has quickly become known for its handcrafted cheesecakes and Southern-inspired desserts, each made with the same care and attention that won over those first lucky taste-testers.
Operating Tuesday through Saturday, the bakery’s cozy pink-hued space, adorned with a stunning floral wall, has become both a local Instagram destination and a community touchstone. With signature items like their classic cheesecake leading a menu that includes Southern favorites such as pecan pie and red velvet cake, Cheesecakes by Lola represents more than just a bakery – it’s the culmination of Smith’s lifelong passion for baking, supported by family dedication and embraced by a community that appreciates both the quality of their desserts and the warmth of their service.
Tell us about the moment you decided to open your bakery. What gap in the market or community need inspired you, and how did you transform that vision into reality?
I have always loved baking, but the moment I realized I wanted to open a bakery was when I brought a tray of homemade cheesecakes to a friend’s event. The joy on their faces and the overwhelming compliments made me realize that this could be more than just a hobby, it could be my way of spreading happiness.
After retiring in 2023, I realized I wanted to channel my energy and creativity into something I’d always loved. I had spent years perfecting my recipes as a hobby, and retirement gave me the opportunity to bring my passion to life and share it with others.
Transforming my vision into reality was an exciting journey. I started by perfecting my recipes, often relying on feedback from friends and family. I then took classes to understand the business side of things and researched the best location for my bakery. After selling our home and trying to decide what our next move would be we decided to bring my dream to life. Opening day was unforgettable, it was the moment I realized all my hard work had paid off.
One of the biggest challenges was securing the right location on a limited budget. I wanted a space that was welcoming and accessible but didn’t break the bank. I eventually found a small but charming spot and used a creative interior design to make it warm and inviting. It became a cozy space that customers fell in love with.
Looking back, I feel incredibly proud of how far we’ve come. Starting a bakery was a dream, but seeing it thrive has been beyond rewarding. I love hearing customers share how our baked goods brighten their day. There’s always room to grow, and I’m excited about the new ideas we have for the future.
My advice would be to believe in your vision but also be ready to adapt. Do your research, start small if needed, and never underestimate the power of community support. Most importantly, stay passionate and enjoy the process it’s a labor of love.
Walk us through your process of building your initial team. How did you select people who not only have the skills but also share your vision for the business?
Right now, it’s just the two of us managing everything, but as we grow, we hope to bring on additional team members who share our passion for baking. For now, we’re focused on perfecting our products, building relationships with our customers, and making our bakery a staple in the community.
Share your experience developing your opening menu. How did you balance traditional influences with modern tastes? What role did family recipes or cultural heritage play?
Our menu celebrates the rich flavors of the South, passed down through generations, and incorporates a touch of innovation to bring these cherished recipes to life. Each item tells a story of tradition, love, and family. Our Signature Southern Desserts include Pecan Pie, Red Velvet Cakes with Cream Cheese Frosting, Peach Cobbler, Sweet Potato Cheesecake and Cookies.
How did you approach choosing your location? What factors influenced your decision, and what community connections did you build during this process?
After living in Fayetteville, Georgia for 12 years, this community has become home. I’ve experienced its charm, warmth, and the strong sense of connection among neighbors. I knew that if I were to open a bakery, it had to be here, where I’ve built relationships and felt a genuine sense of belonging.
Describe your strategy for your digital presence and delivery services. How are you integrating technology to reach your target customers from day one?
While we don’t offer delivery services at this time, we’re focusing on providing an exceptional in-store experience. As we grow, we hope to explore options for local delivery to better serve our customers.
Social media has been a fantastic way to connect with the Fayetteville community and beyond. My daughter and granddaughter bring fresh, creative ideas to our posts, capturing the heart of what we do with beautiful photos, videos, and even customer testimonials. It’s helping us build a loyal following.
Tell us about a challenge you faced during the planning or opening phases that taught you a valuable lesson. How did you overcome it?
When my husband and I first found our space, it needed a lot of work to become the welcoming bakery we envisioned. From updating the floors and painting the walls to ensuring the kitchen was equipped with the right appliances, it was a big project. We did much of the work ourselves, which was both rewarding and exhausting. Every improvement made the space feel more like home, and seeing it come together has been worth all the effort. We worked with a tight budget, so we prioritized essentials like kitchen equipment and safety upgrades.
Getting all the necessary licenses was one of the most challenging parts of the journey. The process required a lot of paperwork, inspections, and patience. We had to ensure every detail met health and safety standards, from the layout of the kitchen to the type of grease trap we installed.
We couldn’t have done it without the support of our family and community. My husband and I leaned on each other during the toughest moments, and we also had friends who recommended reliable contractors and shared advice about working with local authorities.
Looking back, the hard work of fixing up the space and navigating the licensing process made opening day even more special. Knowing that we created this bakery from the ground up gives us an immense sense of pride, and it’s a reminder of how much we’re capable of achieving.
The biggest lesson we learned is to stay organized and persistent. There will be moments when it feels like there’s no end in sight, but if you take it one step at a time and stay focused on your vision, you’ll get there. It’s also important to ask for help and seek advice—there’s no shame in leaning on others who have experience.
What research methods did you use to understand your target market? How did this influence your business plan and initial offerings?
We’re incredibly fortunate that our daughter is a marketing professional. From the moment we decided to open the bakery, we knew her expertise would be instrumental in helping us create a strong brand and connect with our community. She guided us through every aspect of building our marketing presence, from helping us choose the perfect logo that reflects our Southern roots to creating an engaging social media strategy. She also conducted research to identify what would resonate most with our local community, ensuring we were offering products that people would love.
Share your approach to creating your bakery’s unique atmosphere. How are you designing spaces that encourage community connection and return visits?
The bakery is decorated with soft blush tones and pops of vibrant pink, accented by floral arrangements that change with the seasons. A stunning floral wall serves as the focal point, making it the perfect backdrop for customers to snap a quick photo when picking up their orders. Customers have been so excited about the pink and floral themes they often mention how cheerful and inviting the space feels. Many love taking photos by the floral wall, and our pink packaging has already become a signature that people recognize and adore.
How are you planning to allocate your initial marketing budget? What channels seem most promising for reaching your intended audience?
Focusing on cost-effective, high-impact channels for our bakery: Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Boost posts or ads to target local audiences, Content creators, Nextdoor and Local Advertising.
Tell us about your signature dish. What’s the story behind it, and how does it represent your culinary vision?
Our plain cheesecake is the heart of our bakery, crafted with love and perfected over years of baking. It’s a tribute to tradition, using simple, high-quality ingredients to create a rich and creamy dessert that speaks for itself. “Lola’s Classic Cheesecake”
What systems and processes have you put in place to ensure consistency and quality from day one? How are you training your team to maintain these standards?
At our bakery, every dish is handcrafted by me, ensuring that each cheesecake, cookie, or pastry reflects the love and passion I put into baking. Using my tried-and-true recipes, I aim to deliver the same consistent quality that customers will come to know and love. I’ve been using the same recipe for my plain cheesecake for years, perfecting every detail to achieve the rich, creamy texture and balanced flavor that sets it apart. It’s this consistency that guarantees every slice tastes just as amazing as the last.
Looking ahead, how do you envision your establishment becoming part of local traditions and celebrations? What role do you hope to play in the community?
Looking ahead, I see our bakery becoming a cherished part of the Fayetteville community where customers know they can always find quality desserts, a warm smile, and a welcoming atmosphere. I hope it becomes the go-to spot for celebrations, gatherings, and everyday indulgences.
Right now, I’m the sole creator of our dishes, but in the future, I envision building a team that shares my passion for baking and customer service. Training others to carry on the traditions and recipes I’ve developed will be a key part of our growth.
While we’re currently a take-out bakery, I dream of one day offering a cozy space where customers can sit, relax, and enjoy their treat. Whether it’s a small seating area or a patio adorned with our pink signature and floral touches, I want to create an environment that feels like an escape.
I hope to expand our reach through delivery services and an online store. Imagine customers enjoying our signature cheesecake not just in Fayetteville, but across Georgia or even further. Shipping our products nationwide is a dream I’d love to bring to life.
Giving back is important to me, and I’d love for our bakery to play a bigger role in supporting local causes and events. From partnering with schools to sponsoring community fundraisers, I want our success to benefit the people who support us.
No matter how much we grow, I want to stay true to the heart of our bakery delivering consistent quality, creating memorable experiences, and making every customer feel valued.
