Dana Dumas created a brunch experience that draws fans from all over the Valley.

SugarJam The Southern Kitchen is a restaurant, bakery, and bar in North Scottsdale. And as the CEO and head chef, she’s made it her mission to bring top-quality Southern cuisine to the area. Her locale offers Southern-based breakfasts, sandwiches, and sweet treats, as well as a full bar.

Dumas launched her brand 12 years ago, first as a small at-home bakery. Called into SugarJam Cookies, LLC, the venture combined her business background and love for baking. She sold her creations at craft fairs and festivals.

By 2011, she opened her brick-and-mortar Scottsdale location.

SugarJam The Southern Kitchen allowed her to incorporate her weekend brunch, her beloved bakery, and also the full bar.

The SugarJam brand continues to expand as Dumas recently opened The Market by SugarJam, a brand gift shop and an ice cream trailer located right next to the restaurant.

We caught up with her to talk about food, local restaurants, and what she does when she’s not working.

 

Why did you want to open SugarJam The Southern Kitchen?

SugarJam The Southern Kitchen is my second concept, which I launched during COVID-19. It

was a business pivot, during a time when comfort food was strongly desired.

What sets it apart from other restaurants and bakeries?

SugarJam is a Southern-influenced brunch restaurant with an authentic vibe! Under one roof, there is a full restaurant, bar, bakery, and gift shop. SugarJam also features our resident DJ every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

What are your most popular items?

Catfish N’ Grits, French Toast & Fried Chicken, Creole Shrimp N’ Grits, Waffles N’ Fried Chicken, and Salmon Croquettes with Southern Grits and a buttery biscuit.

Do you have a favorite?

French Toast N’ Fried Chicken with a side of Southern Grits.

You recently opened The Market by SugarJam—what do you offer there?

Yes, The Market by SugarJam was an expansion in the spring of 2022. But we have recently combined the market and bakeshop into one space. It gives our customers a chance to buy our from-scratch sweets, along with branded gifts (T-shirts, mugs, housewares/décor, and cool bags).

When you’re not doing things for SugarJam, we’d find you …

At my son’s basketball game, at the movies with my family, or hanging out with my girlfriends trying out new local jaunts.

Favorite places around Scottsdale?

White Chocolate Grill, North Italia – Kierland, STK, Toca Madera, and Ocean 44.

One thing we’d be surprised to learn about you?

I enjoy refurbishing furniture and interior decorating.

SugarJam The Southern Kitchen, 15111 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85260