A familiar space on Middleton Street is getting new life and a fresh batch of baked goods, as Sweet Heritage Bakery prepares to open in Robbins.
Located at 105 S. Middleton St., the bakery will open in the former home of Middleton Street Bakery later this month. The vision behind it belongs to 19-year-old Krissa Cheek, a Northern Moore County native with a lifelong love for baking and a strong connection to her community.
“I began baking when I was around eight with my mom, grandmothers and the women from her church,” said Krissa. Her background inspired the name Sweet Heritage Bakery.
The meaning is also reflected in the bakery’s theme verse and in the name. Psalm 119:111 (KJV) states, “Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.”
Krissa said the verse reflects both her faith and her belief that baking is something meant to be shared and passed down, just like the traditions that inspired her to open the shop.
“The heritage part is really about where it comes from,” Krissa said. “It’s been passed through people in my life, and that means a lot to me.”
Krissa said the decision to open her own bakery came naturally after the former bakery closed. She worked as their manager.
“I’ve always been very passionate about baking,” she said. “Food is such a great way to connect a community, especially in a small town. It’s a way to get to know people, to spread joy and kindness, and to have a place where everyone feels welcome.”
Sweet Heritage Bakery will offer a variety of baked goods, including donuts, cinnamon rolls, cookies, and cakes. Krissa said cakes are a particular passion of hers, and she hopes to feature a variety of flavors.
In addition to daily items, the bakery will also take special orders, including cakes and larger orders of donuts, cookies, or cinnamon rolls.
Operating hours are still being finalized, but she said the bakery will likely be open Tuesday through Friday, at least to start. She has not announced an official opening date yet, but she is aiming for mid to late January.
She will not be working alone. Her mother, Candy Cheek, will be joining her in the bakery. Candy said she stepped in to help when the opportunity arose and quickly found that she enjoyed the work and the atmosphere.
“I mainly help with the donuts,” she said. “I also help with cookies, and I’ve done some pies and cobblers, really whatever needs to be done.”
Both say the bakery is about more than just baked goods.
“I think it provides a way for people to connect,” Candy said. “It’s home-baked food made with love. You’ll always come in and see a smiling face.”
Krissa added that she’s already noticed how bakeries can become gathering places, especially in small towns.
“Kids, parents, grandparents, they all come in together,” she said. “It becomes something to do, a place to be, and that’s what I want this to be for Robbins.”
Check out their Facebook page here.
Feature photo: Candy (left) and Krissa Cheek. Contributed photo.
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Curtis Self | Reporter
Article by Sandhills Sentinel reporter Curtis Self. Curtis has been writing for Sandhills Sentinel since 2019.
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