By Kelly Wheeler
Larry Bontrager , Jason and Stephanie Neal ; and Roger Rich in front of Duchess Bakery .
The moment a customer walks through the old blue screen door and into The Duchess Bakery in Cullman they are taken back in time to a more nostalgic era .
“ The donuts are amazing ,” said Jennifer Kreps White of Cullman in an online review . “ Hands down the best I ’ ve ever had . They ’ re homemade every day and if you get there early , they ’ re still warm ! Heaven on earth .”
Debbie Cleghorn Tolbert of Cullman couldn ’ t stop raving about the donuts at the local establishment either . Tolbert said she was also impressed with the strong family heritage , past and present . “ I feel like we all should buy at our hometown businesses , support our local families ,” Tolbert said . “ Duchess has a wonderful taste . I love their donuts better than any I ’ ve ever had . They just melt in your mouth . The Duchess staff is always friendly and welcoming .” And like many customers , throughout the county , state , and even surrounding areas in the United States , Tolbert was excited the tradition of Duchess Bakery was kept alive when the previous owner decided to sell in May 2020 .
Duchess Bakery , one of Cullman ’ s longest running businesses , reopened in July 2020 and just recently celebrated a year anniversary under the new ownership of Jason and Stephanie Neal and Roger Rich . The trio purchased the popular donut shop from Larry Bontrager in May 2020 .
Jason and Stephanie Neal with Roy Drinkard when they delivered a special treat for his 100th birthday . Drinkard is a long-time regular customer of Duchess Bakery .
CULLMAN COUNTY SENIOR MAGAZINE WINTER 2021 | 25