The only thing better than a sweet treat is one that’s made right here in Memphis. Bonus points if the maker is also on a mission to make the world a better place! Check out these Bluff City businesses doing just that the next time you need to feel good about satisfying a craving!
Bluff City Toffee
Operated by Madonna Learning Center, a school and training center serving individuals with intellectual disabilities, Bluff City Toffee is more than a sweet shop. Madonna’s trainees weigh, package and sell Bluff City Toffee treats, including three varieties of toffee, Butter Toffee Cookies, Toffee Popcorn and Toffee Crumbles. Every purchase provides trainees with real life job experience and helps them accomplish goals that were once dreams.
Where to shop:
- Online for pickup or delivery
- Tuesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 7007 Poplar Ave., Germantown, TN
- Various retail stores, markets and festivals
Thistle & Bee
Thistle & Bee’s two-year residential program gives women who have survived sex trafficking, prostitution and addiction a fresh start. Participants spend the first six months healing in every sense before learning to care for the company’s bees and make products. Thistle & Bee’s food and drink offerings include several varieties of honey – like traditional, spicy and whipped – two flavors of granola and tea leaves.
Where to shop:
- Online for pickup or delivery
- Various retail stores, markets and festivals
My Cup of Tea
Orange Mound’s My Cup of Tea helps impoverished and neglected women thrive in all areas of life. It does this by paying them a fair wage to work at The House, a packaging hub and retail store. As a result, these women are able to better provide for their families and learn essential life skills, too. Visit The House to shop dozens of tea options – from black tea to strawberry green tea and everything in between.
Where to shop:
- Online for pickup or delivery
- Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 3028 Carnes Ave., Memphis, TN
- Various local retail stores
Pop’s Kernel Gourmet Popcorn
Like Bluff City Toffee, Pop’s Kernel employs adults with special needs. These sharp individuals use premium kernels to make all 10 of the business’ popcorn flavors. Think savory options like White Cheddar and Just Butter to dessert-style offerings like Sweet Butter Caramel and Tuxedo (Sweet Butter Caramel drizzled in milk chocolate and white chocolate).
Where to shop:
- Online for pickup
- Tuesday-Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at 1770 N. Germantown Pkwy. Ste. 1, Cordova, TN
Lucy J’s Bakery
If fresh baked goods are your thing, Lucy J’s Bakery at Crosstown Concourse is a must. A partner of the Dorothy Day House, this bakery hires parents currently transitioning or ones that have transitioned out of homelessness. Team members are paid a living wage to make delicious breads, biscuits, croissants, cookies and cakes from scratch using high-quality ingredients.
Where to shop:
- Online for pickup
- Tuesday-Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1350 Concourse Ave., Memphis, TN
City Hall Cheesecake
Just minutes from Memphis in DeSoto County, Mississippi, City Hall Cheesecake employs women transitioning out of homelessness and those previously incarcerated. Its Southaven and Hernando locations offer more than a dozen rotating cheesecake flavors, cheesecake cupcakes, mini cheesecakes and double doozie cookies.
Where to shop:
- Online for pickup
- Monday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- 2903 May Blvd. Ste. 101, Southaven, MS
- 221 E. Commerce St., Hernando, MS
This blog was written by Murray Alexander, Senior Account Manager at Obsidian Public Relations
About: Murray Alexander is a senior account manager for Obsidian Public Relations. She has called the Bluff City home since 2015.
