Question 1

How far ahead do I need to order?

Accepted Answer

Please order at least two days ahead. Everything is sourdough and made fresh, so the dough needs a long, slow ferment before it is baked the day you pick up. Cookies are the exception — they are often available for same-day pickup.

Question 2

Can I get cookies the same day?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Because sourdough cookies do not need the long rise that breads, bagels, and rolls do, I can usually have them ready for same-day pickup. Just mention it when you order so I can confirm the timing.

Question 3

Can I stop by the stand instead of ordering ahead?

Accepted Answer

Yes. There's a little stand at the house stocked with everything on the website — I may have what you're craving ready the same day, no two-day wait. Call or email first to check what's available before you come by.

Question 4

What are the pickup windows?

Accepted Answer

Choose one when you place your order: Morning (9:00 - 11:00 am), Afternoon (12:00 - 3:00 pm), Evening (5:00 - 7:00 pm).

Question 5

How do I pay?

Accepted Answer

Payment is due at pickup — tap to pay with a debit or credit card, or pay with Venmo, Cash App, Zelle, or cash. The order form adds up your items as you go, so you will know your exact total before you submit.

Question 6

Where do I pick up my order?

Accepted Answer

Pickup is at 729 Bottino Ln, Virginia Beach, VA 23455. I will confirm your window by email before your pickup day.

Question 7

Do you cater events?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I cater small gatherings like birthdays, office mornings, showers, and family get-togethers with cookie trays, bagel spreads, breads, and more. Get in touch with your date and headcount and I'll put together a menu for you.

Question 8

Which items are preorder only?

Accepted Answer

Whole loaves of banana nut and blueberry lemon bread are preorder only. Cinnamon rolls are preorder only too, sold in packs of 4 or 6.

Question 9

Is everything really sourdough?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The cookies, breads, bagels, cinnamon rolls, and pop tarts all start with my own sourdough starter.

Question 10

Do your bagels have malt?

Accepted Answer

No. The bagels are sourdough and made without malt — just flour, water, salt, and starter, plus toppings on the specialty ones.

Question 11

What does everything cost?

Accepted Answer

Regular cookies (chocolate chip, peanut butter, snickerdoodle, red velvet) are $2 each or a half dozen for $10. Specialty cookies (Nutella, s'mores, Biscoff) are $3 each or a half dozen for $15. Plain bagels are $2 each or a half dozen for $10; specialty bagels are $2.50 each or a half dozen for $12. Banana nut and blueberry lemon bread are $2 a slice or $12 a whole loaf. Classic artisan loaves are $10, and inclusion loaves are $13. Cinnamon rolls are $12 for 4 or $15 for 6. Pop tarts are $2 each.

Question 12

Can you work around food allergies?

Accepted Answer

Everything is baked in my home kitchen, which also handles wheat, dairy, eggs, peanuts, and tree nuts, so I cannot guarantee an allergen-free bake. There is an allergy note field on the order form — tell me what to watch for and I will do my best.

Question 13

What is this week's pop tart flavor?

Accepted Answer

It changes every week. Past flavors include strawberry, blueberry, brown sugar cinnamon, peanut butter, and Nutella. Ask when you order or check the Bakes page.

Question 14

Can I change or cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Just reach out as soon as you can — call (561) 308-0027 or email lisi@sweetstarterbakery.com. Once baking has started for your pickup day I may not be able to change it.

Question 15

Do you deliver?

Accepted Answer

Not right now. Everything is local pickup in Virginia Beach, with plenty of customers driving over from Norfolk and Chesapeake.

How ordering and pickup work

1. Pick your bakes

2. Get your confirmation

3. Collect and pay

Frequently asked questions