ALCHEMY FAQ | Alchemy Bakehouse

ALCHEMY FAQ

WHAT DOES ALCHEMY MEAN?

Alchemy is defined as the process of combining ordinary things to create something extraordinary . . . sometimes in a way that defies logic and cannot be explained. It is a seemingly magical process of creation through transformation. We simply could not have named our bakehouse anything else.

WHAT IS ALCHEMY'S MISSION STATEMENT?

Simply Put: We Create Magical Moments & Memorable Experiences!

We are in the business of making people happy. At Alchemy Bakehouse we focus on baking and selling the kind of cookies people dream about. Instagram-worthy cookies that taste as incredible as they look. Our product is intentionally meant to transport our customers to an indulgent place that will allow them to truly enjoy one of life’s simple pleasures in an uncommon way.

Interesting eateries, the places you care about, talk about, and take your friends to, are rarely chains. They are unique. They provide an escape, tell a story, and are a true experience to be valued. They are places that trigger fond memories of the past and help create new memories for the future.

That is the vision for Alchemy Bakehouse, to create a ‘memory making’ place. Whether you visit us in person, share a cookie with a friend at work, savor them at a special event, or enjoy them at home with the people you love most, we strive to make all of those moments more magical!

We will never compromise on the taste, texture, quality, freshness or presentation of our products, and creating a memorable and magical experience for you is our highest priority.

DO YOU SHIP YOUR COOKIES?

This is the question we get asked the most. Apologies, but we do not ship our cookies at this time.

This is for a couple of very good reasons, not the least of which are the ambiguous laws about shipping perishable cottage foods across state lines. As we grow, this will change. We promise!

Secondly, our business model has a hyper-local focus by design so that needs to be our first mission. Not only does it ensure our obsessive need to provide an uncompromisingly fresh product is met, It keeps Alchemy's creations a Knoxville area exclusive product. We think there is something cool about that.

Thirdly, we eat with our eyes first, and while these cookies will be stunning going into the box, there is no guarantee their artistic beauty would adequately survive the trip.

Finally, cookies made with magic are best consumed within 24 hours of baking and no longer than 72 hours. People tell us that they are still incredible after 5 days, but we can’t verify that (they generally don't last that long.). It is our goal to give you the most amazing cookie eating experience possible every single time.

If and when we can acceptably crack the shipping code, you will be the first to know!

One more note: Unless you are getting on a plane in order to deliver cookies in person, we also prefer that you do not act as an agent of evil by shipping to friends and relatives. However, since we can’t stop you, if you want to tempt karmic fate here are a few tips for those who dare. Please use overnight shipping (and be prepared for the sticker shock). Use packing peanuts to fill in the voids between cookies to help protect them. And, if possible, use a sturdy, insulated box and a cold pack to your package and try not to ship during the summer months (Cookies with this much chocolate MELT!).

WHAT IS THE MINIMUM QUANTITY I CAN ORDER?

At the present time, the minimum order size is 1 Dozen Cookies for most varieties. If you would like to sample a few different cookies without breaking the bank (or your waistline) may we suggest ‘The 4 Horsemen Cookie Flight' which includes 3 each of: Triple Chocolate Chip, S’Mores, Heath® Bar Crunch, and Salted Caramel Turtle. (These are the only cookies offered in s 'Tasting Sampler').

HOW MUCH DO YOUR COOKIES COST?

All Alchemy Cookies cost $66.00 per dozen. Add $15.00 for gift packaging.

WHAT IS THE REQUIRED LEAD TIME TO FULFILL AN ORDER?

For any order, the minimum lead time is 1 week. Gathering the special ingredients we use takes time and we never want to overpromise and under deliver. Once everything is in place, It takes a minimum of 72 hours just to create the perfect cookie, and the process can’t be rushed. Factor in scheduling & delivery and a week might even be pushing it. Also please remember preorder spaces are limited so do not wait until the last minute to order, especially around any holiday . . . it would sadden us greatly if we are unable to make your event more delicious.

CAN ALCHEMY COOKIES BE STORED?

Our cookies are made fresh and contain no preservatives. This gives them a limited shelf life. Each creation is meant to be enjoyed within 24 hours of receiving it. Nevertheless, there are things you can do if you absolutely have to hold onto them for a day or two prior to eating them.

Our cookies come individually packaged in heat sealed, crystal clear food grade bags. They can be placed directly into the freezer for several days. Simply remove them from the freezer 2 hours prior to your event and you are good to go. It is inadvisable to reheat the cookies in any way, especially in the microwave. You may want to, but don’t. (If it is a single cookie for personal consumption, at midnight after the party, let your conscious be your guide)

DO YOU OFFER GLUTEN-FREE AND VEGAN VERSIONS OF YOUR COOKIES?

Apologies, but no we do not. Aside from the Borg Cube, and Caramel Corn in the Fall, we leave it to the experts that specialize in crafting this type of product.

WHAT ALLERGENS ARE PRESENT IN YOUR COOKIES?

Most of our products have some combination of Eggs, Dairy, Gluten, Wheat, and Nuts. All of our cookies are conjured in a laboratory where all ingredients co-exist together. If your allergies to any of these ingredients are sensitive or dangerous, please understand these may not be the cookies for you.

DO YOU ALLOW SPECIAL CUSTOMIZATION OF YOUR COOKIES?

While we will always consider suggestions for new and interesting creations, we do not allow for customization of the cookies that come out of our laboratory.

DO YOU HAVE NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION FOR YOUR COOKIES?

Apologies, but no we do not. Nutritional information is not required at our current stage of business development but make no mistake, these cookies are not meant to be anything but a pure indulgence. We are in the ‘creating memorable experiences’ business, and while eating a decadent cookie may not be a nutritionist's ideal scenario, we are Alchemists. We make magic. And we think anyone without health concerns that would preclude it, should be able to escape into an amazing cookie from time to time. If you want nutrition, it's probably best to have a salad instead . . . not that there’s anything wrong with that.

WHY DON’T YOU SELL THROUGH TRADITIONAL ‘BRICK & MORTAR’ OR FOOD TRUCK?

Our Cookies are handcrafted and extremely labor-intensive. If we try to run before we walk our quality would suffer and you would not get the cookies you deserve. That said, It is our intention to have a brick & mortar AND the coolest food truck you have ever seen some time in the near future. Stay tuned!

In the mean time we do sell a new variety weekly out of select retail partner locations. Our cookies are currently available at Sunago Coffee in the Hardin Valley area of Knoxville. We are also always selectively looking for partners that align with our core philosophies to carry our cookies in specific 'geographically exclusive' areas in the greater Knoxville area. If you are such a business, or know of one that might be an ideal fit, please reach out. We would love to talk to you.

HOW CAN I FIND OUT WHERE YOU BE SELL ALCHEMY COOKIES?

If we are going to be at local events we will always post about it on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter. From our weekly cookie offering at Sunago Coffee in Hardin Valley, to appearances at local Farmers Markets, Pop-Up Events, Street Fairs, and Bazaars, 'Social Alchemy' is the very best way to divine where we will be next. Please follow us today on your social media platform of choice . . . or on all of them . . . to keep up to date with our latest experiments. We get our positive energy from engaging with you. You will find us across all social media at: TheAlchemyBakehouse

Facebook Alchemy Instagram Alchemy Pinterest Alchemy X Alchemy LinkedIn Alchemy

DO YOU DELIVER YOUR COOKIES?

That is a loaded question. The truthful answer is 'sometimes' and 'in certain situations'.

We currently deliver private orders of 2 dozen or more, on Tuesdays and Thursdays within a 50 mile radius of Knoxville. 50 miles includes but is not limited to: Clinton, Farragut, Friendsville, Gatlinberg, Harden Valley, Karns, Knoxville, Lenoir City, Loudon, Maryville, Oak Ridge, Pigeon Forge, Powell, Sevierville, Seymore, Tellico Village, Townsend, UT Campus

Unless special arrangements are made in advance, we only accept cookie orders inside this 50 mile radius at this time unless you want to pony up a substantial cash bribe.

Our delivery fee is $.50/mile (We will give you the exact charge prior to the order being placed. We are not fans being surprised by additional costs.)

CAN I ORDER FOR SAME-DAY PICKUP?

Apologies, but no. It takes over 72 hours just to create most of our cookies. It is a process that can’t be rushed. We’ve tried. Magic takes time, patience, and exactness. When you factor in scheduling & delivery even a week seems crazy, but we do what we must.

DO YOU EVER OFFER DISCOUNTS OR HAVE PROMOTIONS?

We have tried in the past, but the premium ingredients we use, and hours of detailed labor that go into crafting our cookies, makes it impossible to charge less than we do. We don’t cut corners. If you are going to eat a cookie it should be worth the extra time on the treadmill. We believe our cookies are!

DO YOU OFFER SPECIAL PRICING FOR LARGE ORDERS?

Apologies, but no we do not.

DO YOU WHOLESALE YOUR COOKIES?

We are always looking for strategic partners. Let's Talk!

IS IT OKAY FOR ME TO JUST RESELL YOUR COOKIES?

There is no nice way to put this. No. Period. If we become aware of a business or individual selling our cookies without authorization, action will be taken. If you wish to sell cookies, you may make your own ... or become an authorized strategic partners of course.

DO YOU CATER WEDDINGS AND EVENTS?

ABSOLUTELY! We would love to be a part of your event, special day, or celebration. We are experts at everything from simply delivering cookies in bulk, to designing and creating amazing cookie-scape tables. We will even work with you to provide custom packaging if desired. Please reach out to us at info@TheAlchemyBakehouse.com and we will be happy to set up a consultation meeting.

DO YOU DO TABLESCAPES WITH YOUR COOKIES FOR EVENTS?

Yes. We have done some pretty cool stuff in this regard. If you would like to discuss this added service we would be happy to meet with you in person to help you with a perfect display.

WHEN WILL YOU OPEN AN ALCHEMY BAKEHOUSE NEAR ME?

Keep an eye out for our cookie availability at a strategic partner near you.

WILL YOU FRANCHISE?

We are currently privately owned and have no plans to franchise. Never say never but, for the foreseeable future, we just want to make incredible cookies for our local Knoxville communities (and for all those on a cookie pilgrimage from near & far). Alchemy works best when it is performed in a stress-free and enjoyable atmosphere. If our business starts to become too corporate and complicated to manage, it will lose what makes it special.

WHY AM I DIRECTED TO VOICEMAIL WHEN I CALL?

Our Alchemists are focused on making incredible things for you. REALLY incredible things. As to not disturb their delicate process, we do not take phone calls during the day. For inquires, please drop us an email. You will get a much faster response, generally the same day. Once we get your questions answered via email, our Chief Cookie Alchemist will be happy to visit with you over the phone to ensure we create a truly memorable experience for you.

AND LASTLY, BUT NOT LEASTLY . . .

HOW DID THE RAVEN COME TO REPRESENT YOUR BRAND?

Is the Raven simply a grim, ungainly, ghastly, gaunt, and ominous bird of yore? A closer look reveals more.

The Raven urges you to act now and stop procrastinating because it is known as a master of time.

The Raven symbolizes intelligence and the ability to learn, figure out solutions to problems, and grow quickly.

The Raven is indicative of inventiveness, resourcefulness, and craftiness.

The Raven signifies mystery, divination, and the attraction to magical or mystical ways.

The Raven symbolizes cosmic forces at work and all the things that can be achieved with the power of imagination.

The Raven is playful and creative, it is fearless and strong, and it represents a clear understanding of the need for balance between dark and light

The Raven is the POEsitively perfect embodiment of Alchemy Bakehouse - and nothing more.