ABOUT MUDDY'S

Lovin' from the oven since 2008

Muddy's is an old-school, neighborhood bakery in the best ways. You can always count on fresh, from scratch when you stop by... some surprise flavor special bakes along with the everyday menu favorites. Hot, fresh-brewed drip coffee. Cozy seating in the huge windows facing the water tower & bike lane. Flavors that take you back to homemade favorites. People who are genuinely happy you're here. Pull up a seat, grab a fork, there's pie.

  • BAKED FRESH

    The secret to great food is freshness! Each day we roll up our sleeves and bake delicious treats super fresh in our kitchen-- no chemical preservatives allowed.

  • FROM SCRATCH

    Every day, we measure flour, crack farm-fresh eggs, zest lemons, sift cocoa, whip cream, and a thousand other details to ensure our recipes are one of a kind and the best they can be... for you!

  • FULL FLAVORS

    Our food is full of flavor with depth & nuance. We invest in high quality ingredients and balance our recipes to ensure that every bite is a delight.

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It Started with a Big Leap

On February 29, 2008, (a perfect day for a leap!) Kat Gordon opened Muddy's Bake Shop. No grand opening, but folks turned up in droves (waaay more than we had food or staff for!) and in true Memphis spirit, friends, family, and total strangers came for a cupcake but stayed to pitch in—literally helping fold bakery boxes, bus tables, even ice cupcakes! Memphis community spirit was baked into our DNA that very first year.

Over the years we learned, grew, matured, tweaked, and tinkered. This beloved bakery is now an incredible destination for fresh baked food, community vibes, learning, events, and a whole lotta love.

Muddy's is proof positive that small, independent businesses can thrive... when they are part of a community that values one-of-a-kind endeavors!

What's in a name?

Muddy was the founder Kat's grandmother, a Southern bossy boss lady who worked hard, played hard, and lived life with equal parts grit and glamour. After work each day, she'd prepare meals for her family, usually doubling recipes to share her cakes and casseroles with friends, neighbors, folks in the hospital, families with new babies—anyone she thought could use a good meal and a reminder that someone was thinking of them.

cherries

Meet your makers

partner & creative director

Stacy Hinkle

Stacy operated the bakery business at Belltower for years before folding it into Muddy's. She also oversees Belltower Coffee Roasters. 

She definitely believes that baked goods and hospitality go a long way in building community and spreading love through the city. Her favorite Muddy's treat is the sweet & salty cookie!

general manager

Andrea Fortwendel

Originally from the Midwest, Andrea is proud to call Memphis home. Her background as a teacher is apparent in her organization and enthusiasm for bringing out the best in everyone she works with.

Andrea joined the Muddy's team in 2017 and has worked almost every position here. In 2022 she became GM and she keeps the day-to-day flowing smoothly with determination, enthusiasm, and a lot of heart!

partner and director of operations for the Belltower community of businesses

Micah Dempsey

Micah started Belltower (along
with his best friend Christopher) as a pottery studio in 2017.  Today, Belltower is a community of businesses consisting of the pottery studio, a coffee shop on Highland, a coffee shop in Shelby Farms, an in-house roastery, and, as of April 2026, Muddy's Bake Shop. His favorite Muddy's treat is the chicken pot pie!

All the Gnomies!

Whether baking in the kitchen, welcoming guests in the shop, teaching in the classroom, or answering the phone, these people are dedicated to their craft. They're always learning and exploring ways to make this place even more fantastic for our guests and each other. A variety of backgrounds and career paths, a diversity of perspectives and talents, all essential to create the magic of Muddy's. These humans ARE the mojo.

founder

Kat Gordon

A proud Memphian born & raised, Kat started Muddy's in her home kitchen. After 18+ years of nurturing this amazing local business, she has passed the torch to new owners.

Kat can be found teaching her popular baking classes and consulting for other values-driven organizations!

find kat here >

STAFF FAVORITES

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