Charlotte Bakery Opening First Storefront in Oakhurst After Years at Farmers Markets

Thoughtful Baking Co. announced its first permanent shop at 4418 Monroe Road in Charlotte's Oakhurst area. Years spent at farmers' markets paved the way. The space doubles as both a store and kitchen where the farm-to-table bakery creates its goods.

Savory pies and desserts will fill the cases, all made with ingredients from North Carolina farmers and makers. Quiches sit beside pot pies. Seasonal sweets tempt customers. Items that never appeared at market pop-ups now await discovery.

"This has been a dream of mine for a very long time," said founder and chef Mary Jayne Wilson in a statement. "We've built Thoughtful Baking Co. piece by piece at farmers markets, and to now have a space of our own where people can walk in and experience it in a different way feels incredibly special."

The shop will bring more recipes and menu choices "while still staying true to what we do," Wilson said.

Wilson started the business during the COVID-19 pandemic after losing her job as executive chef for Amelie's French Bakery & Café, according to the Charlotte Observer. A pot pie recipe she'd perfected over years became the foundation.

"Creating new menu items and feeding people is my passion, so it is exciting to do it on my own terms and create whatever I want," Wilson told CharlotteFive at the time. "The most fun part about this is thinking through all the things I can make."

Mary Jayne Wilson hinted at the opening through a recent Instagram post, writing: "A new chapter for Thoughtful Baking Co. is on the horizon. There's more to share very soon."

The shop now welcomes visitors at 4418 Monroe Road, Suite A, in Charlotte. The bakery stays active on Instagram at @thoughtful_baking_co.