Those with a sweet tooth are going to find a few more options downtown to satisfy their cravings.

The Mad Baker, owned by Live Work Play Downtown Vicksburg — better known as Mary Jane Wooten and Daryl Hollingsworth — opened its doors for the first time last Saturday.

Hollingsworth and Wooten had the idea to open a bakery in October and made it happen in less than three months. Their goal is for the bakery to bring more people downtown to see all the great new things happening in Vicksburg.

“We hope it’s another venue that will draw people downtown,” Wooten said.

As for how the shop got its name, they aren’t exactly sure.

“It really was a joke, wasn’t it,” Wooten said.

“It really was, and it kind of stuck,” Hollingsworth said.

Hollingsworth said they are waiting on more merchandise and food products to be shipped in before they hold a grand opening, which will happen in the new year, but for now they have a slightly abbreviated menu they are offering to customers.

The menu offers a variety of breakfast foods served all day long like waffles, omelets, grits, granola and scones; a full service bakery with cakes, cupcakes and cookies; and healthy lunch options including soups, salads, Paninis, turkey burgers and fruit.

Soon they will also be offering T-shirts, coffee cups, bagels, Sweet Magnolia gelato, homemade popsicles, farm to table milk and cheese, and other basic groceries.

The bakery will be available for children’s birthday parties of up to 15 for $150, more children can be accommodated for a higher price, from 3 to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and on Saturday. Children can mix the ingredients, bake, decorate and eat.

“This is probably one of the most kid-friendly places downtown,” Wooten said.

The bakery has about 10 tables and a cheerful yet cozy atmosphere with blue, peach and green walls.

The art on display is also available for purchase, and Wooten hopes to feature a different artist every quarter. Three large clear windows boast views across the street, through an empty lot and all the way to the Yazoo River Diversion Canal.

“We have a great view from here,” Wooten said.

Wooten said downtown residents had been asking for a bakery, and Hollingsworth said it was something the area really could use.

“We have 385 apartments downtown now in the historic district so we think a bakery is a necessity,” Hollingsworth said.

Six apartments are being built upstairs from the bakery with two already rented and four still under construction.

“We always thought it was a beautiful building, when we bought it really, and it is a good location,” Hollingsworth said.

The bakery is located at 1119 Washington St. and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“We just hope everybody enjoys it,” Hollingsworth said.