LaFlam finds sweet success with Night Owl Bakery

What started as the creation of a Facebook account by his adult daughter, Megan, turned into a thriving at-home business for Tim LaFlam of Winterville.

“We just started a page, and then it was on fire,” LaFlam said.

Night Owl Bakery - Cakes, Sweets & Treats has been serving Oglethorpe County since 2013, but LaFlam’s time in the kitchen started long before that.

“I have been baking for 40 years,” he said. “It is usually just me doing all the work, but my wife, Tracy, helps me sometimes.”

LaFlam, 61, volunteered with Oglethorpe County EMS for 17 years. Later, he decided to put all his focus into his at-home bakery.

His wife works during the day, while he works at night. Hence, the Night Owl moniker. 

“I prep and bake during the night, so it is fresh for all of my customers,” he said. “Nothing is frozen.” 

Bryan McCormick, who owned the former GiGi’s Cupcakes in Athens, has known LaFlam since 2020 and said LaFlam makes cakes for all of his kids’ birthdays and special occasions.

“He really has a gift for what he does,” McCormick said. “We’ve referred as many people as we can to him just because it’s his passion. It’s his livelihood for him.” 

McCormick said LaFlam’s cheesecake is the best he’s ever had. 

Daniel Beecher, LaFlam’s father-in-law whose bakery favorite is the coconut cake, said LaFlam wants to serve his community. 

“You can ask anyone who knows Tim,” Beecher said. “Once you get to know him, he treats you like family.” 

LaFlam has given desserts to Piedmont Athens Regional’s Emergency Department and to Jackson County Emergency Services. 

“Seeing my impact on the community keeps me motivated," LaFlam said. “It is a pleasure to see people enjoy my baking.”

McCormick and his family have tried to convince LaFlam to open a bakery, but from his experience, he said he sees why LaFlam does it from his home. 

“There’s so much overhead,” McCormick said. “Everything that comes with being in a traditional retail space.”

LaFlam said one of his biggest challenges of running his own business is knowing when to admit he needs help. But he continues baking because making customers happy is his priority.

“Starting the bakery was hard once you realize the work you have to put into it,” LaFlam said. “But now, I would say it was all worth it.”