By KATIE MCDOWELL/Lifestyles Editor

PELHAM – Shelby County residents have a new bakery to visit with the opening of Highland Gourmet Scone Company.

Connie and Mark Wallace opened the new bakery during the first week of October after operating as a shipping-only business for about nine years.

The company’s history stretches back decades when the scones were sold in Bonnie Bailey’s deli and bakery, known as Highland Gourmet, in Birmingham. Eventually, the scone production spun off into a separate business and was sold to another family, who operated it as a shipping-only business, which was later sold to the Wallaces.

Not quite cookie, biscuit or shortbread, the scone originated in Great Britain, where it is typically served with tea.

“Ours are gourmet scones,” Connie said. “They’re sweeter and richer than your traditional scones.”

Highland Gourmet offers four flavors of scones: lemon-blueberry, cherry-amaretto and hazel crème chocolate chip and golden raisin, which uses Bailey’s original recipe. This fall, they are also selling a pumpkin-flavored scone.

Wee-bites, bite-sized scones in all five flavors, are another new offering. Self-serve coffee and tea is also available.

Last year, the Wallaces decided to make a full commitment to the company and began scouting locations for a bakery. Their new Pelham location includes a small bakery for walk-in customers, drive-through window and plenty of space to accommodate their large shipping business with an expanded kitchen and areas for wrapping and shipping.

The company has always been a family affair for the Wallaces, even more so now that they’ve opened the walk-in bakery.

Connie oversees the daily operations, and Mike, who teaches at Briarwood Christian School, typically arrives at Highland Gourmet after school ends. Their three grown children also help out with all aspects of the bakery.

Highland Gourmet Scone Company, located at 210 Cahaba Valley Road in Pelham is open Monday-Thursday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday from 6 a.m.-9 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. For more information or to buy scones in bulk online, visit Highlandgourmet.com or call 205-991-0442.