Article by Janna Tamargo | Photography by Janna Tamargo | Published October 16, 2024

On a hot summer Florida morning, I sat down with Allison Vaughan, the owner of 1748 Bakehouse located in Jacksonville, Florida. Influenced by the infectious passion for baking instilled by her grandmother, Allison's journey with food has been one of endless exploration, constantly tinkering with flavors and perfecting recipes to craft exquisite baked delights. With a lifelong love affair with baking, she harbored a deep-seated desire to create a haven where her culinary talents could flourish and foster a sense of community.

Community Outreach

Just a few months before the onset of COVID-19, 1748 Bakehouse opened its doors, marking the beginning of a challenging journey. Despite the uncertain times, Allison remained resolute in her commitment to serving the community, pivoting her restaurant's vision to meet the changing needs of the times. Her goal was to create a space that exuded warmth and familiarity, offering solace during difficult times. Allison said, "I wanted a space that felt familiar, where people would feel comfortable." Her ultimate goal was to not just bring amazing baked goods to the area but to build a community to the area, and she has done just that.

Slow and Intentional Baking

At the heart of 1748 Bakehouse is the philosophy that food has the power to connect people—whether through cherished memories, like those Allison holds of her grandmother, or the shared experience of gathering around a table with loved ones. Every loaf of bread, pastry, and pie she bakes carries with it a story, a testament to the long hours spent perfecting recipes that honor the traditions she holds dear while also embracing innovation.

Authentic food, as Allison sees it, isn’t about rigid definitions or following strict guidelines. It’s about the love and passion poured into every dish, the connections made with local producers, and the sense of place and community her bakery fosters. It’s that ability to blend tradition with creativity, and bring people together through something as simple, yet profound, as a baked good.

The space and community that Allison has built in Jacksonville represents the most personal and intimate expression of food, where authenticity isn’t measured by technique or exotic ingredients, but by love, memory, and the desire to nourish. As I left 1748 Bakehouse that morning, the scent of freshly baked bread still lingering in the air, it was clear that Allison had achieved what she set out to do—create not just a bakery, but a home for all who walk through its doors.