Holly Pond Bread Company owner Christy Hitt, left, with her sourdough mentor Martha Bennefield at the business on Friday, Sept. 4, 2026.‘ Martha not only taught me how to make bread; she taught me how to share love, one loaf at a time,’ says Hitt.‘ I’ m just trying to carry forward Martha’ s example of the simple joy found in sharing something made by hand and from the heart.’
Story by CHRIS MCCARTHY Photos by AMANDA SHAVERS
Since the Holly Pond Bread Company opened in June 2026, owner Christy Hitt has frequently run into an issue with her daily inventory— the shelves are empty well before closing time.
“ We typically run out every day,” said Hitt.“ Customers often arrive before opening time, and the cinnamon and orange rolls disappear almost as quickly as I can make them.”
Among the shop’ s most popular items are Hitt’ s homemade cinnamon rolls and orange rolls, sourdough bread, specialty breads, bagels, pretzels, cookies and seasonal treats. Several of Hitt’ s goods carry the names and stories of people who have become part of Holly Pond Bread Company. Preacher ' s Pretzels honors friend and former pastor Randall Waldrep. Jo Jo’ s Lemon Cookies is named for Joann Smith Morton, Hitt ' s longtime friend and a fellow Holly Pond High School graduate who works next door at Murphy’ s Pharmacy and stops by every day for one of her signature cookies. Located on U. S. 278 between Murphy’ s Pharmacy and AutoZone, the Holly Pond Bread Company is open Wednesday to Friday from 2 to 6 p. m. and Saturday from 8 a. m. to 12 p. m. Hitt bakes until approximately 2 a. m., finishes up the next morning, and starts preparing for that day’ s business.
' Customers often arrive before opening time, and the cinnamon and orange rolls disappear almost as quickly as I can make them,’ Hitt says.
Cullman magazine | HOLIDAY 2026
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