JAVA JOURNAL W/ ANN J: Liberty Bakery

Guest contribution from Ann Johnson. Also be sure to check out The Coastal’s original review of Liberty Bakery.

Liberty Bakery was a childhood dream for 24-year-old Gracie.

She had wanted to open a bakery for many years and was always developing and improving recipes gathered from family and friends. Gracie went through her busy life, first college and then a career as a civil engineer, until she noticed the old Skinner Dairy store was available in Jacksonville, a town she knows well.

She reached out to her mom and dad, Carol and Bob Kernan, and together they started the process of bringing the bakery dream to reality. Gracie left her job as a civil engineer in Orlando and moved to Jacksonville. After much work and time spent obtaining the building and designing the small space, it soon became a reality. The limited 450 square foot building didn’t hinder the effectiveness and efficiency of the space. The commercial grade oven, refrigerator and work space were laid out perfectly to maximize every inch.

At first glance, they have a typical looking drive-thru store. (Editor’s note: A drive-thru building, sure, but Taylor Hardwick’s famous Skinner Dairy store designs are rather atypical.) When you view the menu board at the end of the drive you see delicious breakfast sandwiches, breakfast buns and hot and cold lunch sandwiches. Most with patriotic names, such as Liberty Yogurt, BLTea Party and Johnny Apple-Cheese. But as you pull up to the window, you see a chalkboard with handwritten delicacies of the day. This is where the deliciousness begins. The dessert varieties may change on a daily basis depending on the baker, hence the chalkboard. The regulars and referrals enjoy stopping by to see the treat-of-the-day. From macaroons, to brownies, to cupcakes, what is your pleasure?

Of course, you are always welcome to call in for the specialties of the day or to order a “baker’s dozen” of chocolate chip cookies, cupcakes or brownies. Their birthday cakes are a treasure to behold and taste magnificent. You ask for it, they will make it, just call ahead to give sufficient time for baking your special orders. Chocolate chip cookies are an understatement when the truth is they are large chunks of chocolate. Mine was perfect and moist to the last crumb. The lemon bars were my favorite treat when I visited. All the items are made fresh in-house.

The vanilla cupcake recipe is a personal favorite creation by Gracie. She alleged you can’t use cake batter for cupcakes and vice versa.

Carol and her daughter Katie carry on the love of daily baking now. Gracie now lives in Japan, but is carrying on her love of baking at her new home.

Marcy shared with me that the shop is established on community, customers and care of food.  You can feel her passion for good food, love of country and community from their logo to the great tasting food.

Call 904-321-9567 to place an order!