Members of the Allen family, who operate the bakery, give credit to Benjamin Franklin for providing the motto that they’ve taken to heart for a century, which is:
“It takes many good deeds to build a good reputation, and only one bad one to lose it.”
Among the good deeds routinely done by Matt and Drew Allen are donating each day’s unsold products to Second Helpings, a community kitchen; and replacing cakes smashed by clumsy customers. However, good deeds alone do not account for the bakery’s success—part of it is due to the quality of their baked goods. It makes a white cake that President Eisenhower once enjoyed, as well as an orange cake that was discovered by accident and has become a best-seller.
Customers are loyal to Taylor’s, in some cases, dating their patronage back decades. Realtor Bif Ward has been a customer since 1968, and says that when she meets clients, they expect her to bring goodies from Taylor’s with her. Doughnut holes are a favorite, as are the sheet cakes. Taylor’s makes everything from scratch, which accounts for the quality and longevity.
The Allens could work with brochure printers to describe their products, as well as giving the bakery’s history, which would delight their regulars. A company that has remained in one family for three generations is undoubtedly something special.