BB’s Bake Shop has been open for a month but is operated according to more than a decade of experience.

B.J. Ward and Nelia Burks are co-owners of the business and have been baking pastries for the past 15 years.

However, until the past month, the two spent the past decade-plus baking out of their home.

“People just started wanting really big cakes, and that’s not something you can make out of your home,” Ward said.

Suddenly after many years, the business had grown to the point that a more permanent fixture was needed.

A vacancy opened up along U.S. Highway 31 in downtown Clanton, and the business officially made the transition.

Creativity is welcomed as the bake shop serves just about any form of dessert that can be thought of to its customers.

“We’ll try pretty much anything that they can think of,” Ward said. “You never know what’s going to walk through the door. That’s what gives you the rush.”

The shop has a case in the front that holds an array of cupcakes, the most common item purchased by someone walking in for the first time.

According to Ward, the cupcakes act as a form of advertising and prove to people the quality associated with BB’s Bake Shop.

Ward has restaurant experience, having previously owned Ward’s Diner in Thorsby, while Burks has worked for a large cake decorating business.

Word has spread fast, and the business has been greeted with a host of sales and interest during its inaugural month.

“We didn’t know that we would have nearly as many orders starting out,” Ward said.

The shop is open Tuesday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday serving as a time to pick up orders from 9 a.m. to noon.

Future plans include eventually adding ice cream and smoothies to the menu.

According to Ward, about 50 percent of the business is recurring customers.

“That tells you that you’re doing something right,” Ward said.