so many years ago .” They even spoke about how they loved hearing Larry tell stories of his own childhood working in the bakery . “ It is those kinds of stories , that kind of history , that makes the bakery so much more than just a business ,” Jason Neal said . The Neals were raised in Cullman County . Jason owns and operates the local branch of Liberty National Insurance , and his wife Stephanie is the Director of the Active Adult Center for Cullman City Parks & Recreation and Sports Tourism . People familiar with the Neals will also know them from owning and operating the Hanceville Dairy Queen since 2006 .
The third partner , Roger Rich , said he is excited to continue incorporating a family culture into the business . “ My family was so excited to team up with the Neal family and serve the community with a great product that has been a big part of friends and family gatherings for 81 years ,” he said . Rich is an Alabama native with over 33 years of experience at Liberty National Life Insurance . He served as the Vice President of the company from 2008 to 2018 ; he has since been the owner and operator of the Sunshine Agencies of Liberty National for state of Florida .
The Duchess Bakery has been a dream come true for both the Neal and the Rich families . “ The Duchess Bakery has been part of the sweet side of life in Cullman for 81 years ,” said Stephanie Neal . “ And as word spread
that the former owner was planning to retire , we knew that we did not want this tradition to die .” And it was evident at the one-year anniversary of the new ownership , the Neals and the Riches have worked hard to put their own touches on the local hot spot and the love for its history engrained in The Duchess Bakery .
Over the course of the year since the bakery switched hands , the new owners have renovated the inside of the bakery and even added merchandise to the inventory — including a line of premium coffee blends named after their children Auston , Lynlee , Jordan and Olivia Neal and Laura Beth , Thomas and Emily Rich .
The bakery also sells merchandise from hats to T-shirts as well as coffee mugs with the bakery ’ s logo . And the true meaning of families working together was illustrated during the first anniversary celebration . Smiles , laughter , and just combining efforts to make sure customers left happy . “ With our children working in the bakery or behind the scenes , it really is a family affair ,” said Stephanie Neal . “ And we love every minute of it .”
Jason Neal added , “ Our reason for buying the bakery goes much deeper than just wanting to run a new business , with recent times , people just needed something good to hold onto . And keeping The Duchess Bakery open has definitely been a good thing . We have been overwhelmed with the love and support from our customers .”
“ Hands down the best I ’ ve ever had .”
Jason Neal making a special delivery to Johnny ’ s Barbecue !
CULLMAN COUNTY SENIOR MAGAZINE WINTER 2021 | 27