Our Origin Story

The heart and soul of The Bread Basket is its beloved sourdough bread – along with the cream cheese muffin and cinnamon apple bread that evolved from it. Customers often remark, “The aroma of fresh bread when you walk in is unforgettable—I wish I could bottle it and take it home.”

Our story began on a cold February day in 1988, when a neighbor’s warm loaf of sourdough bread welcomed the Hyde family to Signal Mountain. That simple act of kindness sparked a passion for baking and sharing, leading Marie Hyde to experiment with local apples from the Fairmount Apple Orchard. Her “cinnamon apple bread” quickly became a seasonal favorite at the orchard, and soon, regular customers were lining up for more.

As demand grew, Marie and her husband Charlie opened a small bakery in 1989. Word spread about their handcrafted breads and welcoming staff, and The Bread Basket became a cherished part of local celebrations. Today, their son Anson Hyde continues the tradition, expanding to five locations and shipping The Bread Basket favorites nationwide—all while shaping every loaf by hand, just as his parents did decades ago.

Our menu has grown to include a variety of muffins, cookies, cakes, and seasonal sourdough options. Each recipe is crafted with care, using only the finest ingredients and time-honored techniques. Whether you’re picking up a loaf for your family or sending a gift basket across the country, you’ll taste the difference tradition makes.

Visit any of our five Chattanooga-area locations, or order online for nationwide shipping. Discover why The Bread Basket has been featured in Southern Living and on the Food Network—and why generations of customers return for the warmth, flavor, and family spirit in every bite.