A local Tallahassee bakery made history as the first Black woman-owned bakery in the Tallahassee International Airport. TC Bakery, led by Jennifer Young, began a groundbreaking partnership with Tallahassee International Airport to achieve this historic accomplishment, offering insights into the power of seizing opportunities in the pursuit of success.
When Tailwind Hospitality, Inc., an airport concessions company, extended an invitation for local businesses to set up shop at the airport, TC Bakery jumped at the opportunity. The unique collaboration stemmed from the community attention surrounding TC Bakery, as the bakery is widely known for their goods in Piggly Wiggly, RedEye Coffee, Fresh 4 Less, Community Co-Op, and more. The airport venture opened new avenues for TC Bakery, bringing international recognition and increased demand for its products.
TC Bakery is Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) certified. During an interview, Young described her certification as a game changer that unlocked monumental opportunities and allowed TC Bakery to cross local boundaries and potentially expand statewide and nationally. Young strongly encourages other businesses to take advantage of this certification as well.
Looking ahead, Young aspires to establish a TC Bakery factory in Tallahassee, expand to more airports, stores, and national restaurants, and increase the Bakery’s presence in communities across the nation.
TC Bakery's story exemplifies the spirit of local entrepreneurship and serves as an inspiration to businesses aiming to make their mark. Young encourages other minority-owned businesses to seize opportunities, break barriers, and create lasting impacts in their industries. For businesses considering the airport industry, Young emphasizes the importance of getting ACDBE certified, researching opportunities, and leveraging relationships to secure contracts and partnerships.
