It’s a new year, a new shop and a new delight to your sweet tooth. Venable’s Sweet Shoppe launched its’ new ownership in December 2011, putting a new spin on the traditional bakery.



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Malisa Harris, Auburn University 2006 graduate, began formally cooking five or six years ago where her passion for baking inspired her to attain ownership of this sweet shoppe.

“I’ve always loved to cook and make things,” said Harris. “I consider myself a pretty creative person and baking is just an extension of that.”

Housed in Opelika, customers can enjoy the simple pleasure of a budget-friendly miniature cupcake to placing a cake order for a wedding, birthday or shower event.

“It’s hard to go into Venable’s and not want to try everything that she has in the window,” said student Erika Bruno.

The fresh smell of baked cookies and the quaint setup of a home kitchen greets its’ customers at the door where the variety of Venable’s sweets are created.

“Customers can expect to come in and find a variety of cupcakes,” said Harris. “I try to do something different every week, but still keep some of the classics that people really enjoy and also like to experiment with new flavors.”

Along with bakery items in the store, Venable’s can customize customer’s baking needs to match themes for special events and holidays.

“I am hosting an engagement shower for my sister and am looking forward to seeing what Venable’s comes up with,” said future customer Kathryn Bryan.

Venable’s can customize deserts by the design of a napkin, plate or invitation to match the overall theme of the event.

“Most often we do birthday parties,” said Harris. “It can be something simple or elaborate and we also do a lot of wedding cakes, baby showers, petifores and sugar cookies that can match your theme.”

With Valentines Day approaching, Venable’s will create a desert menu featuring Valentine’s Day themed deserts.

“We are going to have some beautiful chocolate-covered strawberries and cakes enough for two people in red velvet and chocolate flavors,” said Harris. “We will also have cupcakes that are Valentine’s themed and cookies to be Valentine’s Day themed as well.”

A new addition to Harris’ baking creativity features cookies that a customer can create a message for their special someone using stamped letters.

Venable’s is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“I hope that we can cement ourselves in the community and be that go to bakery for everyone and all their desert needs,” said Harris.