With a new storefront and a recipe for success, Bravory Bakehouse is baking a name for itself in Moore County—quite literally.
Previously known as Kind Cookie, Bravory Bakehouse has not only undergone a change of name but also opened its first physical location just a few minutes from the heart of downtown Southern Pines. The name, Bravory, is a blend of bravery and valor.
The ribbon cutting took place Thursday morning and amassed an enthusiastic crowd despite the rainy weather and unseasonable chill. Friends, family, community members, and local leaders alike showed up to voice their support…and to pick up a free sample or two in the process.
Now more than just cookies, Bravory bakes up brownies, cinnamon rolls, and other sweet baked goods alongside fresh coffee and a line of vintage Americana merchandise. Inside, the space is peppered with popping pink and nostalgic 1940s charm; even the chairs out front are a bold hot pink and unmistakable from the roadway.
Owners Erin and Nic Vandre didn’t plan the rebrand. The couple was contacted by the Kind company and informed that the name “Kind” was copyrighted and couldn’t be used.
But the Pinehurst couple turned that wrench in their plans into an opportunity.
Nic says the new name, Bravory, better reflects the spirit of the Moore County community and comes with a fresh theme and new partners to match.
“We pivoted for a greater purpose to create Bravory Bakehouse, which looks to honor and uplift the military spouse,” explained Nic at the ribbon cutting. “We also created a new word. We really loved the idea of bravery—I spent 25 years in the military. I think we can all really look into our own bravery in our own personal lives, and so we wanted to create a brand where we could employ local military spouses, employ local community members, and hope that everyone can be inspired.”
That connection to community has been at the heart of the Vandres’ vision since the beginning. Back in 2022, when the business was still Kind Cookie, they spoke of wanting to build something with purpose, not just profit. Nic, a Milwaukee native and U.S. Army veteran, and Erin, originally from San Diego, fell in love with Moore County’s charm and character after moving here.
“This is the cutest place I’ve ever seen in my life,” Erin recalled of her first visit.
Nic agreed, adding, “It’s a bunch of really great Americans that live here. They understand what’s important. They get it.”
This sentiment, of course, is reflected in their new image.
Even in the early days, before there was a storefront, the pair focused on making their baking a community experience by selling at local markets and offering holiday home deliveries. Erin, who has more than a decade of baking experience, dreamed up the menu while Nic handled building relationships and dreaming bigger.
“We have big plans for our brand and for the community,” promised Nic. “We appreciate everyone.”
Now, with their new location at 974 S Bennett St, Unit A, Southern Pines, Bravory Bakehouse finally has a home base to match their ambitions.
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~ Article, video, and photos by Sandhills Sentinel Assistant Editor Abegail Murphy. Abegail has been writing for Sandhills Sentinel since 2021.
