In April, Muddy’s Bake Shop owner Kat Gordon announced that after 18 years, she would sell the bakery portion of her business to Belltower Coffee. 

Naturally, people had a lot of questions. Mostly, they asked if Muddy’s would stay open. 

Six months later, yes, Muddy’s is still open at 2497 Broad Ave., and “it’s going really well,” according to co-owner and baker Stacy Hinkle.

She had nothing but high praise for the “absolutely amazing” Muddy’s baking team, most of whom are still working there. “I’m learning something new (from them) every day, and that’s kind of fun.” 

She and Belltower Coffee co-founder Dempsey joined me on the “Sound Bites” podcast back in May to talk about the process of adding Muddy’s to the Belltower “business family,” about Hinkle’s bakery brand Honeysuckle Sweets and to answer a lot of burning questions from Muddy’s fans.

We are re-sharing that episode again for a few reasons.

• First, in case you missed it — either the episode itself or the fact that Muddy’s is open and in its new era. 
• Second, I wanted to offer a quick update via Hinkle on how things are going and on Muddy’s fall plans. 
• Lastly, this episode is good context for upcoming Sound Bites episodes. Kat Gordon will return to talk about her current projects, handling big changes and a large, growing collection that’s taking over her house.

Stay tuned for that, but first listen to the full episode with Dempsey and Hinkle below. 

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Muddy’s Bake Shop fall plans

I caught up with Hinkle on Oct. 21 to find out how she’s adjusting to learning Muddy’s recipes and workflows from many of its longtime staff members. 

“I’m learning all the things I need to learn for the holidays. Apparently, I’m supposed to buckle up,” she laughed.

Her favorite part of the new role is attending pop-ups and public events where people come up to her to share different Muddy’s memories and stories. 

“It’s so neat to hear the memories. I’m very blessed to hear those and to be a part of this.”

The Gnomie’s Blend coffee that Hinkle talks about in the episode is available at Muddy’s as beans or as drip coffee. They’re also selling bottled cold brew and scratch-made syrups, and some of her Honeysuckle Sweets items have made their way to the menu, too.

Muddy’s will participate in the Broad Avenue Art Walk Saturday, Oct. 24, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Belltower Coffee roasters will be in the shop and they’re bringing a portable espresso machine for a latte pop-up. 

The bakery will also be a part of Broad Avenue’s trick-or-treat on Oct. 31. Families can sign up for the open studio cookie-decorating activity that night on the Muddy’s website. They plan to host other kid-friendly events during the holidays as well.