Savage's Bakery
About us
Savage's Bakery has been a Birmingham landmark for more than 85 years. It first opened in 1939, when Mr. and Mrs. William Savage began serving the community on Highland Avenue before later moving to its longtime home on 18th Street South in downtown Homewood.
In 1978, when the bakery came up for sale, Birmingham native Van Scott Jr. recognized a rare opportunity. At just 27 years old and newly graduated with an MBA from the University of Alabama, he stepped in to carry the legacy forward. Driven by a genuine passion for baking and a lifelong goal of owning his own business, Van took the reins and helped shape what has become one of Birmingham's most beloved bakeries.
For Van, owning Savage's Bakery meant decades of early mornings, long days, and even longer hours during the holiday season. As he often said, "There is a lot of work that goes on in order to ensure all of our products meet the high standards we hold here. I have hard-working employees, and I couldn't do it without them. We all work together and take pride in what we do each and every day for this business."
That commitment to quality is reflected in the people who have made Savage's what it is today. One such employee is Ben Cook, who worked alongside Van for 43 years and is widely regarded as the master of the bakery's ovens.
Today, Savage's remains known for its iconic Meltaways, Smiley Face Cookies, Gingerbread Men, Butterflake Rolls, and, of course, its cakes. Many of the original recipes are still used today, requiring time, patience, and care—but delivering the unmistakable taste generations of customers have come to love.
As the holidays approach, the bakery fills with seasonal favorites, including Apple, Cherry, Pumpkin, and Pecan pies, along with the famous Butterflake, Brookhouse, and Parker House rolls. Thanksgiving brings dozens of iced turkey cookies, while Christmas features festive bell, star, and tree cookies. Special orders help make holiday celebrations even more memorable for families throughout the Birmingham area.
In early 2026, Savage's Bakery entered its next chapter when Kenneth Rhodes became the new owner. While leadership has changed, the heart of Savage's remains the same. Kenneth is committed to preserving the bakery's rich history by continuing to use the original recipes, maintaining the same dedication to quality craftsmanship, and honoring the traditions that have made Savage's a Birmingham favorite for generations. Customers can continue to expect the familiar flavors, exceptional baked goods, and welcoming experience they have always known and loved.
About us
Savage’s Bakery has been a Birmingham landmark for over 85 years. The bakery is still alive and running and operated by Kenneth Rhodes. It first opened in 1939, when Mr. and Mrs. William Savage began serving the community on Highland Avenue before later moving to its longtime home on 18th Street South in Downtown Homewood. In 1978, when the bakery came up for sale, Birmingham native Van Scott Jr. recognized a rare opportunity. At just 27, and newly graduated with an MBA from the University of Alabama, he stepped in to carry the legacy forward. Driven by a genuine passion for baking and a long-held goal of owning his own business, Van took the reins and continued shaping what has become one of the city’s most enduring bakeries.