BAKE BLUE BAKERY PARTNERS WITH THE CITY OF SPANISH FORT TO MARK AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH IN APRIL WITH
BLUE PUZZLE PIECE COOKIE DEBUT, PROCLAMATION AND A MISSION OF BELONGING
Mother-Son Bakery in Spanish Fort Platforms Purpose, Employment Opportunity, & Community for Adults with Disabilities
Spanish Fort, Ala. (March 30, 2026) — In recognition of April’s Autism Awareness Month, Bake Blue Bakery is sharing the story behind its growing business: creating homemade, nut-free baked goods while building a future where adults with disabilities can find employment opportunity, connection, and room to thrive. The month includes World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, a time that brings added focus to understanding and support. To mark this important recognition, Bake Blue will debut a specially-created cookie — the Blue Puzzle Piece — as a tribute to autism awareness and the mission of the bakery, available exclusively during the month of April. On Thursday, April 2, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Bake Blue will host a pop-up event inside the main lobby of the Spanish Fort Community Center, where customers can purchase the bakery’s full lineup of cookie flavors, Blue Puzzle Piece cookies, and cakes by the slice.
Founded by Debra Pennington and her son Reed Pennington, Bake Blue Bakery launched in August 2025 in Spanish Fort under a cottage license. What started in a home kitchen has grown into a bigger vision: opening Summer, 2026, a storefront bakery located in Spanish Fort that serves the community while creating pathways for adults with disabilities to work, grow, and shine. (photo: Blue Puzzle Piece cookies)
The name Bake Blue carries special meaning. Blue represents autism awareness, while the bakery’s symbol — the great blue heron — reflects patience, resilience, wisdom, and strength.
“Bake Blue is about more than baking,” said Debra Pennington, co-founder of Bake Blue Bakery. “It is about helping people discover what they are good at, giving them a place to belong, and creating space to grow. Our plan, once in a storefront, is to offer not only a bakery but a place where families can gather and where adults with disabilities can find steady work and community.”
For Reed Pennington, the bakery is personal. Diagnosed with high-functioning autism at age 12, he worked a number of jobs after high school and learned firsthand how difficult it can be for autistic adults to find the right fit. Together, the mother and son team decided to build something of their own — something lasting, welcoming, and purpose-driven. “No matter how you are born or how disabled a person can be, you have a purpose in life. Choose the right path and be who you are meant to be,” said Reed.
Spanish Fort Mayor Brad Bass said the city is proud to welcome the bakery and support its mission.
“The City of Spanish Fort is excited to welcome Bake Blue Bakery as a new brick and mortar business to our community,” Bass said. “We are especially proud to partner with Bake Blue for a special pop-up event at City Hall, held in recognition of Autism Awareness Month. This event offers a meaningful opportunity to support a growing local business while celebrating inclusion, awareness, and the unique contributions of individuals with disabilities. (photo: Spanish Fort Mayor, Brad Bass)
“We encourage residents to stop by on April 2, enjoy some great baked goods, and join us in supporting this inspiring new addition to the City of Spanish Fort later this year. Having sampled some of their cookies myself, I feel like they will be a resounding success.”
As part of Autism Awareness Month, Bake Blue Bakery will also be recognized by the City of Spanish Fort, which will present a proclamation to Debra and Reed Pennington on Monday, April 6, at 6 p.m. at Spanish Fort City Hall. In addition, Uncle Henry’s radio show in Mobile has invited Bake Blue to appear on April 1 to help promote the April 2 pop-up event and share more about the bakery’s mission.