Crack O’ Dawn Bakery & Bistro has officially arrived in downtown Harrisonburg, bringing its dedicated gluten-free menu of breakfast and lunch favorites to East Market Street. Known for its from-scratch baked goods and satisfying comfort food, the Waynesboro-based eatery opened its second location in November 2024.
For co-owner Tammy Melton, the mission behind Crack O’ Dawn is personal. She suffers from fibromyalgia and avoids gluten due to its inflammatory effects. When she and her daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Easter, first launched the business, their goal was clear: to provide a safe and satisfying dining experience for those with restrictions.
“It’s really fulfilling when people come in and they haven’t been able to have a cinnamon roll or a donut in 15-20 years because of their intolerance, or because of celiac,” said Melton. “We’ve had people shed tears just because they are able to eat something they know is safe for them.”
The menu at Crack O’ Dawn is filled with classic breakfast and lunch favorites, all made from scratch and completely gluten-free. Start your day with fluffy pancakes, crisp waffles, or a hearty brekkie bowl—a customizable dish of breakfast potatoes topped with three eggs and your choice of three toppings. Craving something indulgent? Go for the Deep South bowl with bacon, cheese, and sausage gravy. Prefer something lighter? The California bowl, loaded with tomatoes, spinach, and avocado, is a fresh and flavorful option.
For lunch, Crack O’ Dawn serves up a variety of sandwiches, quinoa bowls, and salads, all made with high-quality ingredients. The Pimento BLT layers house-made pimento cheese, crispy bacon, lettuce, and tomato for a Southern-inspired twist on a classic. The Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl combines tricolor quinoa, tomatoes, feta, kalamata olives, banana peppers, and Greek dressing for a fresh, zesty bite. Don’t forget to check out the rotating soup of the day for a cozy, made-from-scratch addition to your meal.
The bakery case is stocked with an array of sweet treats, including bread, pie bars, cupcakes, donuts, oatmeal cream pies, and more. Dairy-free and vegan options are also available, and special orders can be made corn-free or nut-free upon request.
Easter, who started her gluten-free baking business as Elizabeth’s No Wheat Sweet Treats before vending at farmers markets, officially partnered with Melton to open their first brick-and-mortar location in Waynesboro in October 2023. Their expansion to Harrisonburg was a natural next step, especially for Melton, a Harrisonburg native.
“Downtown’s been very inviting,” Melton said. “People can just walk by and pop their heads in if they didn’t know we were here yet.” The bakery also participates in local events like the holiday Cookie Tour, further connecting with the community.
Beyond baking, Easter enjoys sharing her skills through hands-on cake decorating classes. “It gives me a chance to show people how to be creative,” she said. Depending on the season, guests can learn to make everything from elegant floral cakes to whimsical designs like a yeti monster or a Highland cow with a flower crown.
With catering, special orders, and delivery available, Crack O’ Dawn is making it easier than ever for the gluten-free community to enjoy safe and delicious food. Whether you’re grabbing breakfast, lunch, or a sweet treat, you can count on Crack O’ Dawn to serve up something special.
Find Crack O’ Dawn Bakery & Bistro at 31 E Market St., Harrisonburg, VA. Visit them Thursday-Monday: 7 AM – 3 PM and Tuesday: 7 AM – 12 PM.