Tory’s Bakehouse

by Jill Duff-Hoppes

To Arlene Perrin, nothing is more soothing than baking.

“It’s just so relaxing to me,” says Arlene, co-owner of Tory’s Bakehouse in DeBary. “When I bake, I have instrumental music playing, so it just really transports me completely.”

Arlene and husband Tony opened Tory’s Bakehouse (formerly Tory’s Donuts) in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The independent, family-owned business has a small but mighty in-store team: Arlene and daughter Jaimee. The shop’s namesake is the Perrins’ 11-year-old granddaughter Tory (daughter of their son James).

When Tory’s Donuts opened, it focused on gourmet doughnuts, which are still a staple there. Late last year, Arlene – a certified pastry chef – branched out by changing the store’s name and adding more pastries to the menu. Now, Tory’s Bakehouse also features New York-style gourmet cookies, tarts, cupcakes, and lattes and offers catering for tea parties, holiday celebrations, and other special occasions.

Another new development is that Tory’s Bakehouse is now shipping its delectable cookies to customers throughout Central Florida and around the country, just in time for holiday gifting. The tempting menu includes old-fashioned chocolate chip as well as gourmet cookies stuffed with mouthwatering fillings such as Nutella – all of which make for delightful packages to receive.

“Who doesn’t like cookies?” says Arlene with a smile. “They’re good for any occasion, definitely.”