Simply Southern Sweets: Baking with a whole lot of love and butter

Daughter-in-law and mother-in-law duo Debbie Arledge and Lora Arledge have never recalled being stressed when they started their business in 2009, and you know what stressed spelled backwards is? Desserts. Desserts is exactly what their business is, Simply Southern Sweets. The duo first began their baking journey in 2009 when Debbie got the idea to apply for a booth at the local Peaches to Beaches Yard Sale event in Perry.

“I have always enjoyed cooking and baking,” said Debbie. “And I knew hundreds of people come through each year for the Peaches to Beaches, so one day I brought the idea of selling baked goods to my mother-in-law and she said, ‘OK, let’s do it.’”

“Debbie’s idea was a for-sure hit,” said Lora. “We sold out each day by noon. We had cookies, candies and pies. People really enjoyed it and we continue to this day to take part in the event. We also have booths at the Dogwood Festival and the Georgia National Fair.”

Debbie has worked in food service her whole life, but baking has always been her passion. She said she believes it comes from her grandmother’s influence.

“Well, my mom wasn’t really much of a sweet eater and my sister doesn’t cook, but me — I’ve always loved it,” said Debbie. “When I got married, Lora really loved my baking, especially my cakes and divinity candy. Since we had so much success at Peaches to Beaches, we decided to open our bakery.”

“When we were looking for locations, I remember seeing the Robbins and Free Realty office there on Washington Street,” said Lora. “At that time, they had moved to their new office located in Warner Robins. One day at breakfast, I saw Donnie Free and I mustered up the courage to ask him would he rent the building to us. Well, he was so gracious that he did and really made us a great deal. All thanks go to him because when we were there, our business really took off.”

Simply Southern Sweets was established in 2010, and Debbie and Lora stayed at that location for four years. Then in 2015, they moved to their current location at 1002 Ball St. in downtown Perry. Debbie said their new location has grown a lot more business that they are open five days a week. The bakery is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“We have the best cliental here in Perry,” said Debbie. “It’s really gratifying to have customers come back on a regular basis for our treats. That’s what I really love most is bringing comfort and a smile. We bake everything with quality ingredients, love and a whole lot of butter (she said smiling).”

“That’s what makes us stand out from other bakeries,” said Lora. “Nothing is mass produced here, we make everything one baked good at a time and it’s homemade. We are family owned and operated, and we promise to make you feel like family when you walk through our door.”

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