AJ Creations opens new bakery in downtown Covington

Two and a half years ago Amber Jones and her family decided to purchase a dilapidated historic structure in downtown Covington with the goal of eventually moving there.  During the renovation work, Jones said that her husband suggested it would be a good idea to open a bakery in the street-level space of the structure.

The growing dream became reality a little over a week ago when the Jones family opened AJ Creations inside the renovated 1,000 square-foot retail space along Pike Street in downtown Covington.  The family lives in the two floors above the bakery space and is enjoying their new city lifestyle after previously living in the suburbs.

"We had been looking at small homes to renovate, and we've always liked downtown Covington, so after checking out this building we fell in love," explained Jones.  "We really like living here and we haven't had any problems.  It's nice being so close to MainStrasse and being able to walk down the street for dinner or just go out for walks."

Part of what made the location more appealing was the progress the Jones family saw being made in the area.  Following the purchase the family performed about 80 to 90 percent of the renovation work themselves with private financing and with the assistance of a facade improvement grant from the City of Covington that went towards a new paint job, a sign, doors and windows on the front of the structure.

"They've done wonders cleaning up the area, and we have felt really safe and comfortable here," Jones described.

The bakery itself is a bit of a dream realized for Jones who said that baking had always served as a way for her to relax, and that it was originally going to be a retirement goal of hers.  Obviously way ahead of schedule for Jones, the bakery's products are reflective of her passion for baking.

"My husband jokes that the reason we ended up doing this is because we got tired of giving away all the excess food I would bake," said Jones.

Inside the small bakery space customers are greeted by a small table that seats two, a couch and another chair.  Boston Stoker coffee and teas from Republic of Tea are offered inside the small bakery operation. Jones sees AJ as a place where people can pick up products on their way home, or order for a catering event more so than a bakery cafe where customers might linger for hours.

All of Jones' products are gluten free while many are also dairy free.  The menu changes weekly and offers items like fresh biscuits, scones, cookies, muffins and eventually cheesecakes, pies and breads.  Jones describes the bakery's candies as something customers must try, including their homemade caramels, buckeyes, peanut butter fudge and marshmallows that cost 75 cents a piece.  Once in season, the bakery will also be selling local honeys and jams.  The rest of the prices at the bakery are all under $2 per item in an effort to keep prices low and affordable for nearby residents.

AJ Creations is located at 212 Pike Street (map) and is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 7am to 2pm and Saturday from 8am to 2pm.  Those interested in placing catering orders can contact the Bakery at (859) 322-8434, by email [email protected] or even by leaving a comment on the bakery's Facebook page.

"People don't have to choose off of a special menu.  We can make what they want and I'm really big on special orders because I realize that everyone has special tastes."

Writer: Randy A. Simes
Photography by Tiffani Fisher
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