The Rolling Scone, a bakery that started in Emma Bennett’s home in January 2024, has quickly become a beloved fixture in the Culver community. Bennett, a former first-grade teacher at Culver Elementary School, began baking cupcakes, cakes and scones for family and friends on weekends. Word spread, and soon she took regular orders from people in the surrounding area. As demand grew, she left teaching to pursue her bakery business full time, opening her own storefront on 2024’s Fourth of July weekend.
Finding a location for the bakery wasn’t easy. Bennett explored her town, scouting buildings and prices, and eventually connected with the owner of a promising space that was formerly Culver Cabana. Within a week, she had a contract. Fortunately, the space required minimal remodeling. She focused on sourcing equipment. While she hopes to add a new cooler for more storage, her setup currently allows her to manage custom pickup orders for cakes and cupcakes. Her popularity often has clients booking three months in advance.
In addition to special orders, Bennett’s goal is to have more grab-and-go options, especially during the summer. Currently she requires at least a week’s notice for custom orders, but would love to increase her capacity for spontaneous orders. She also offers delivery in the Culver area, including local events like weddings and baby showers. Her growing team of five employees works hard to keep the bakery running smoothly. One of her bakers taught her the secret to frosting doughnuts – warm frosting and a bit of patience.
The bakery’s summer debut was a hit, with lines forming before the doors opened and products selling out quickly. As Bennett and her team gained their footing, they adjusted production to better meet demand. Customers have their favorites, with the blueberry lemon scone consistently selling out. Other popular menu items include Oreo doughnuts, cinnamon rolls, and homemade biscuits and gravy, which are available on weekends. Making these treats from scratch requires an early start; Bennett arrives at 5 a.m. to get everything ready. Her personal favorite items on the menu are the Oreo cupcake and the jalapeño cheddar scone.
The bakery has become a cherished part of the community, especially among young customers. Every Friday her children, Hoyt, Jade and Allivia, join her before school, creating a beloved weekly ritual that many parents in town share with their own kids. Most customers opt for grab-and-go, but Bennett has created a welcoming space with tables, chairs and couches, where families can linger on Friday and Saturday mornings. Foot traffic has become a significant part of her business, especially with locals stopping by on morning walks with their dogs.
Beyond baking, Bennett has embraced the business side of her venture, handling everything from forming an LLC to managing finances with the help of an accountant. Her husband, Levi, has been her biggest support, encouraging her dream and helping her brainstorm new ideas. A union laborer, Levi pitches in with child care on weekends, allowing Bennett to balance work and family life. Bennett also volunteers weekly at her children’s school, finding fulfillment in using her teaching skills.
Bennett’s recipes are inspired by her mother and grandmother, both of whom passed down a love of cooking and baking. While she enjoys baking, Bennett has a particular passion for cooking and providing meals for others. Her kids, as well as her extended family, have been integral to her journey; her siblings frequently offer support and ideas, and even help her with cake decorating suggestions.
The bakery, cleverly named The Rolling Scone is a nod to Bennett’s love of music, and reflects the creative spirit of her and her family, who bond over baking and music. The shop’s atmosphere is casual and family friendly, with quiet music playing when customers are present. On weekends, Bennett and Levi often play guitar together, carrying on a family tradition of music that extends to their children, each of whom has their own guitar.
Bennett also values giving back. Her bakery supports local sports teams and clubs, and she donates products and funds to community events like festival days. For Halloween, she collaborated with the city for a “find a pumpkin at The Rolling Scone” event, and looks forward to celebrating Christmas with a planned snack-cake event for kids. She even takes school birthday dessert orders, where parents can send a special treat for their children’s classrooms. When they have leftover items, she donates them to the local police department, nursing homes and schools to give back to the community.
Though she was new to business ownership, Bennett took on the learning curve with determination. Each week she adjusts her baking plans based on customer feedback, seasonal ingredients and demand trends. Her degree in elementary education has also served her, enhancing her skills in time management, communication and adaptability. She enjoys being able to meet her customers’ needs, much as she once met the individual needs of her students.
As her first fall in business transitions into winter, Bennett is already planning her holiday menu, with seasonal flavors like mint and dark chocolate. She also hopes to introduce protein balls (a recipe from her mom) and is exploring options for gluten-free items to accommodate customers with dietary restrictions. She and her team are meticulous about cross-contamination, especially when working with allergens like peanuts, ensuring a safe experience for all patrons.
For Bennett, the bakery is more than a business; it’s a testament to her resilience and passion. She has poured her heart into The Rolling Scone. She is proud to offer customers not only quality baked goods, but also a sense of community. Every visitor can expect a warm greeting, excellent service and the promise of something delicious. The Rolling Scone has brought Bennett’s dream to life, and it’s a place where family, friends and good food come together in perfect harmony.
Visit The Rolling Scone at 115 East Jefferson Street in Culver.
