Bandit Pâtisserie announces new owner as founder Kristen Hall focuses on La Fête + new projects

James Beard award-winning chef Kristen Hall, founder of Bandit Pâtisserie, has sold her business to longtime co-owner Lacy Triplett.

The bakery was started in 2013 as a passion project in which Hall and her daughters anonymously left baked goods on neighbors’ doorsteps under the moniker “The Baking Bandits.” The sneaky baked goods led to pop-up bake sales and a regular presence at The Market at Pepper Place.

Its first brick-and-mortar location opened in 2019 in the heart of Homewood at 2821 Central Ave. Today, it is located at 2323 First Ave. North.

““This has been an incredible journey, and I am so grateful for the past twelve years. Lacy knows this business inside and out, cares deeply about the people and the product, and I couldn’t imagine better hands for Bandit’s future.”

Chef + founder Kristen Hall

Bandit is best known for its:

• laminated croissants in flavors ranging from classic butter to bittersweet chocolate
• danishes
• choux buns
• macarons
• tarts
• breads
• coffee selection

About new owner Lacy Triplett

Triplett, the new owner of Bandit, joined the staff in 2021 as a member of the pastry production team.

The former lawyer became a co-owner in early 2024 and has since taken over daily production and operations as Hall’s “right-hand-man.”

“I’ve learned so much from Kristen. I’m grateful for her trust and support during this new chapter and for the years we spent building Bandit together.

“Our team is the heart of the bakery, and their dedication to quality, technique and hospitality is what makes Bandit special. That commitment to craft and the community remains at the center of everything we do.”

Lacy Triplett

What’s next for Kristen Hall?

This year, Hall was named a James Beard Semifinalist for Best Chef in the South for her work at La Fête. According to a release announcing the ownership change, she has decided to focusing her energy on the French bistro and future projects in Birmingham.

She continues to build on the restaurant’s momentum following the restaurant’s recent Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition.

“I want La Fête to be known for its hospitality and its service and, of course, its food. But my vision is to create a space and a place where people feel at home, where they get to enjoy really great conversation, really great food, and really great beverages.

“Food is a powerful memory maker, but I want people to remember the way that they felt and how well cared for they felt when they were at La Fête.”

Kristen Hall to Bham Now, February 2026

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