haymaker bun company og brioche bun

About the Buns

These are no ordinary buns. Cinnamon buns have always been my favorite pastry, but too often I found them too dry, too dense or cloyingly sweet. After much trial and error, I invented my own unique version of brioche dough: buttery yet light, comforting yet refined. And it dawned on me that I didn’t need to stop at the classics! I could make buns of all flavors: sweet, savory and even chocolatey. 

My dough is now the perfect canvas for artistic and inventive combinations. We make it fresh daily in our bakery on the banks of Otter Creek River in Middlebury and now also at our new location in Burlington. I proudly source many ingredients locally and find daily inspiration in the flavors and farms of Vermont. 

Haymaker buns are my invitation to enjoy the in-between moments. Buns make any time special, whether you're enjoying one fresh at the cafe or using our frozen four packs for a weekend treat or an impromptu coffee date.

haymaker bun company restaurant middlebury vermont

What’s in a Name? 

Haymaker Bun Company gets its name from the iconic spiral of the Vermont hay bale, a symbol of my home and a favorite family idiom: “Make hay while the sun shines.” (My other favorite: “Life is too short to sugar-coat bull****.”) A “haymaker” is a knockout punch, but it’s also an ode to a different kind of strength: the kind it takes to take care of others as well as yourself. At Haymaker Bun Company, we believe that each day should be filled with small indulgences — and plenty of bun puns.

Haymaker Bun Company is a place where warmth, creativity, and great food come together. Our approach is simple: start with high-quality local ingredients, bake fresh every day, and create a space where people can slow down and enjoy something delicious.

From our Middlebury flagship restaurant to our new spot in Burlington, everything we make is designed to be indulgent yet approachable, familiar yet exciting. Whether you’re grabbing lunch, lingering over a coffee, or stocking up on our frozen four-packs, Haymaker is here to add a little joy to your day.

Haymaker Cafe was nominated as a semi-finalist by the James Beard Foundation for “Outstanding Bakery” in 2023.

owner caroline corrente baking at haymaker bun company middlebury vermont

About Caroline, Chef-Owner

Haymaker Bun Company was born three months after my son. Some say that starting your own business is like having a baby, so on the really hard days I like to remind myself that I had twins.

My love language has always been sugar. I attended pastry school in Paris, became a classically trained French pastry chef and worked in bakeries for years until the day my son was born. Motherhood gave me the nudge to branch out on my own, and I wanted to make what I love to eat most: Buns. Lots of buttery, pillowy buns.

 
 

Interested in Working at Haymaker Bun Company?

We’re always looking for passionate, food-loving people to join our team! If you thrive in a fast-paced, creative environment and love great coffee and fresh-baked buns, we want to hear from you.