Sibling Sensation
Made-From-Scratch Baked Goods Are a Family Legacy at Debbies Daughters
Writer / Melissa Stalb
Photography Provided
Jessica Walls grew up with 11 siblings – five girls and seven boys total.
Under the late matriarch, Deborah Debbie Downs, the family baked quite a bit as the kids grew up, in preparation of large family meals and holiday get-togethers, prompting the young chefs to try their own recipes and learn how to make items from scratch.
Several members of the family continued to bake, becoming known for their made-from-scratch baked goods. For Jessica it was a dream to own and bake in a small, neighborhood cafe, but she didnt know the opportunity was just around the corner.
In 2018 Jessica and her husband Rocky purchased a 140-year-old building near a residential area in Noblesville, with plans to eventually open their own business.
When the pandemic hit the U.S., things began falling into place for the couple.
I had been baking for a long time, but there was a spike in people reaching out to me, Jessica says. They couldnt find certain things at the store like bread and specialty items, and were asking if I could make it. That prompted us to create a website and have an online presence.
In addition, it gave the couple nearly two years to focus on renovating and designing the perfect space.
The pandemic sort of brought a someday plan to launching our creativity and things began moving a lot faster, Rocky says.
They renovated the first floor with a brand-new commercial kitchen and casual dining area, creating a home-like atmosphere with natural lighting. Along with three of Jessicas sisters, a brother, a brother-in-law, a sister-in-law and a niece, the family cafe and bakery finally came to fruition with a grand opening in June of this year.
At Debbies Daughters Bakery & Cafe, guests can enjoy a breakfast and lunch menu of soups, sandwiches, frittatas and seasonal treats. For instance, this fall customers will find a Turkey Apple Cheddar Panini, a Sweet Potato, Kale, Sage and Goat Cheese Frittata, and Butternut Squash Soup on the menu, to name a few.
Specialty drinks include the Apple Pie Chai Latte, Shagbark Hickory Latte and Pumpkin Spice Latte.
Their focus is on freshness.
We use meat from a local butcher and get our vegetables from local farmers, and I think it really makes a difference, Jessica says. It makes the food so much better.
They have continued to make everything from scratch including sauces, syrups, breads and more. While customers are enjoying the breakfast and lunch menu, the sisters are in the back, creating delicious baked goods.
We often are inspired by the season and the fresh ingredients, Jessica says. There are typically cookies, cinnamon rolls, butter bars and seasonal items.
Though the sisters are equally talented, each have their specialty.
Jessica makes a country loaf bread that Rocky calls life-changing. Her niece, Caiti Patterson, is an expert at the Pumpkin Spice Latte and typically runs the front of the cafe.
Jessicas sister, Allison Johnson, specializes in muffins, specifically blueberry crumble, and her other sister, Michelle Blanton, loves to make scones.
Jessicas sister-in-law, Brittany Downs, loves to make syrups from scratch, and her brown-butter bars are a favorite among visitors.
Mom passed away in 2013 but she always wanted us to work together, Jessica says. We named the cafe in honor of her and as our inspiration. We have been able to get closer through this process and I love coming in every day. Were very fortunate to be able to work alongside one another.
Preorders are available as well, for those who enjoy meal planning. Customers can order loaves of bread or packaged cookies for a family meal or event. Each week, preorder selections are posted online, including a variety of pickup times at the cafe or local farmers market.
Not only do they get to work alongside one another, but theyve also been welcomed into the Noblesville community with open arms.
The Noblesville Main Street Farmers Market has been incredibly supportive, Rocky says. We started there in 2021 with freshly baked bread and its been really key to getting to know the community. Noblesville is a walkable community and we now know people by name, and theyve been so welcoming.
The owners recently held a pop-up pizza night, inviting the community over for a special meal. Rocky says they made as many pizzas as they could and still ran out.
They also plan to offer a smoked turkey sandwich as the calendar edges toward Thanksgiving, and anticipate that the farm-fresh specialty wont last long, but not to worry, as there are more creative and community-building events to come.
Its a dream come true, Jessica says. We belong here.
Debbies Daughters Bakery & Cafe is located at 1236 Conner Street, Suite 100 in Noblesville. For more info, call 317-620-1277 or visit debbiesdaughters.com.
