‘The Rock Brew and Bakery’ offers social foundation in Panhandle village 

BAYARD – A few miles from the landmark Chimney Rock lies Bayard, a village of about 1,100 people. 

It is also the home of The Rock Brew and Bakery. The brew is coffee and tea variations, including packaged coffee carrying The Rock name, and homemade pastries.  

The Rock Brew and Bakery borrows its reference to Chimney Rock. It could also be called the rock, or foundation of social interaction in the community.  

Makayla Cole, daughter of the owner, said they have  

It started when Makayla Cole’s mom, Jennifer Didier, decided to make a career change. 

“My mom had grown up on a farm. We had started farming for a little bit. My mom then became a nurse, and she just decided that after nursing and the kids had gotten older, she was ready for a lifestyle change. So, I went online for school and my mom decided to buy a coffee shop,” Cole said. 

The coffee shop moved locations when Didier decided to offer backed goods.  

“We actually started across the street with renting it. My mom, for like, as long as I can remember, has been the most, like, insanely good baker. She’s baked cakes, cupcakes, for birthdays, weddings. She’s just amazing. We actually couldn’t have a kitchen over there, so we came over here and decided to remodel this place,” she said. 

She said The Rock Brew & Bakery quickly became a meeting place. The community support of The Rock Brew and Bakery is more than just loyal coffee customers.  

“This town has backed us up through and through. They’ve helped us out with literally anything we needed. If we need something, they’re here immediately and they have supported us so much. This town has become like a second family to us,” she said. 

Cole said they do have their loyal coffee group that often shows up soon after the “Open” sign is lit; men she values as grandparents. 

The Rock Brew and Bakery is open 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays.