Memphis: A Sweet Connection to Ancestral Taste Buds!
Oh, sweet Memphis, the city where the blues meet the beautiful aroma of freshly baked delights! When I made the move to this vibrant Southern hub, I knew I was stepping into my forever home, but what I didnโt quite expect was a delightful connection to my ancestral taste buds. Allow me to share my scrumptious journey!
For more than a decade, I’ve developed an all-consuming obsession with chocolate chip cookies that, believe it or not, don’t actually contain chocolate chips! Sounds wild, right? Hear me out! To me, the best part of a chocolate chip cookie has always been the cookie itself, not the pesky chocolate chips. I’ve spent years meticulously eating around those chips and even going so far as to pay bakers just to whip up a special batch of chip-less cookies without the โcursed chips.โ But alas, nothing ever seemed to hit the spotโuntil now.
Stumble Upon a Culinary Treasure
One day, while wandering around Downtown Memphis, near the National Civil Rights Museum, I stumbled upon the magical Butteriffic Bakery & Cafe. And let me tell you, that was the moment that changed everything! Inside, I met none other than owner and lead baker Tamika Heard, who opened this sweet haven in 2021, pushing off from her familyโs famed Makeda’s Cookies empire.
Heard’s passion was palpable as she revealed the culinary secret behind those delightful cookies I had craved for so long. It turns out, those chocolate-chip-less treasures are called tea cakes, an American delicacy steeped in history. Not to confuse them with British tea cakes, these dainty cookies have roots tracing back to the 18th century. Originally made from scrap dough by enslaved Black Americans, these cheeky little treats were a way to sneak home a delicious piece of dessert while white guests munched on their chocolate chip cookies. How incredible is that?
Consistency is Key!
Butteriffic Bakery promises consistency, and thatโs a motto Heard takes to heart. The bakery offers a delectable array of offerings, including cookies, pies, and a truly addictive banana pudding, all made fresh daily. And for the savory crew out there, Heard also whips up her famous chicken salad to balance those sweet cravings!
But Butteriffic is more than just a bakeryโit’s a community hub. The tables and chairs aren’t just for customers; they serve as spaces for anyone who needs a spot to work or relax. The walls showcase artwork made by local artisans, further weaving the community fabric. Heard believes in not just cookies but also community. โIf you work for me and have even a single entrepreneurial bone in your body, weโre going to flex that muscle,โ she shared.
Caring for Customers and Cookies
Among her passionate team are cousins Derrick โDJโ Green and Terrell โTJโ Fuller. In just a short time, they have already become a vital part of the Butteriffic family. Heard recently promoted Fuller to store manager, and Green couldnโt be happier to be part of a place he refers to as his “soul family.” โIt feels like such a good fit,โ he said, exuding that genuine warmth that greets customers upon entering the cafe.
Spreading Sweetness Beyond the Bakery
Heardโs community spirit doesn’t just stop at the bakery. She and her friends, jokingly calling themselves “sugar pushers”, started GEMโGroup Economics Memphisโto encourage shopping local and generous tipping practices. โIโm so inspired by folks paving the way for community initiatives,โ she said, rooted in the belief that Memphis can foster a similar sense of community through collaboration.
What’s Next for Butteriffic?
Looking ahead, Heard has big dreams for Butteriffic. Sheโs planning to launch a food truck to spread the bakeryโs spirit across Memphis. โUntil then, you can definitely take my word for itโthis isnโt just cookie shop, it’s a rendezvous for cookie and community lovers alike,โ she chuckled. โYou butter believe it!โ
So whether you’re after a taste sensation without chocolate chips or looking for a cozy spot to catch up with friends, Butteriffic Bakery & Cafe, located at 488 S. Second St., has got you covered. With friendly hours from 9:01 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday and later on weekends, thereโs no excuse not to dive into the cookie journey of a lifetime!
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
