LemonBar Bakery: Meet Jenay and Issac Fox
When you first meet her, Jenay Fox’s calm and peaceful demeanor might make you believe she’s somewhat shy, but when she begins to talk about her passion—baking—it’s as though her entire being lights up.
Standing on the small bridge at Temecula’s Duck Pond next to her husband, Isaac, she clutches her hands lightly in front of her, an energized smile flickering across her face. She’s donned a chef’s coat, her uniform of mastery, while Isaac, a more blue-collar kind of guy, in a white button-up with the sleeves rolled up, shares her enthusiasm. Together, they are the heart and soul of LemonBar Bakery, a humble yet luxurious dessert haven in Temecula.
LemonBar Bakery isn’t just about sweets—it’s about people, moments, and memories. As Jenay puts it, “We get to be a part of everyone’s favorite parts of their lives—weddings, birthdays, gender reveals. It’s such a blessing and such an honor to be able to do all that through cake and sweets.”
Her love for baking started early, at the tender age of 11, when she sold her very first recipe—a batch of lemon bars—to a fine dining restaurant in Dallas, her hometown.
With a mischievous grin, Jenay recalls her brother’s playful tease: “He says I peaked at 11,” she laughs, “but we’re still here.”
Indeed, they are. Those lemon bars, with their crisp shortbread crust and tangy, zest-packed lemon filling, were the foundation upon which their bakery was built. LemonBar Bakery has since evolved far beyond those humble beginnings.
Today, their expertise spans luxury wedding cakes and gourmet pastries, catering to clients like professional athletes and celebrities, all while still supplying local coffee shops like Press Espresso with other delicacies.
Isaac looks over at Jenay, unmistakable pride beaming from his eyes and smile. He pushes his hair out of his face as he explains how he handles the business side of things. “I’ve handled a lot of our business administration,” he says, grinning as he speaks. But his role is far more than paperwork. He’s the one who consults with clients and meets with city officials, ensuring that LemonBar is a cornerstone in the Temecula community. His partnership with Jenay goes beyond their marriage—it’s the perfect blend of personal and professional harmony.
“What do you love most about working with Isaac?” we ask Jenay, and her smile softens. “It’s a privilege to work alongside your life partner,” she says. “We already complement each other in our personal lives, and that just naturally carries over into the business. I wouldn’t choose to do this with anyone else.”
Their bond is evident, not just in the way they speak about each other, but in the way they work together. Isaac may handle the business, but Jenay commands the kitchen, each respecting the other’s strengths. Their mutual respect and shared vision for LemonBar are what make this bakery truly unique.
Another thing that sets LemonBar apart is their relentless commitment to quality and craftsmanship. In an era when shortcuts and artificial ingredients are becoming the norm, Jenay and Isaac have taken the road less traveled, handcrafting each item with real, locally sourced ingredients.
“We were in San Diego for a while, and when we came to Temecula, we made it a priority to connect with local farms,” Isaac explains, his voice elevated and more stern. It was clear that he and Jenay insist on remaining steadfast in their principles.
“We believe that food ties people together, and we wanted to build a community around that.”
He looks over at Jenay who nods in agreement.
Their cakes are made entirely from scratch—no boxed mixes, no shortening, no pre-made buttercream. “It’s tempting to cut corners, especially with inflation,” Jenay admits. “But knowing our clients can taste the difference makes it all worth it.” This unwavering integrity is not lost on their customers, many of whom return time and again, The Hidden Vine team included, not just for the cakes but for the experience LemonBar offers.
When asked what they hope people take away from their bakery, Isaac answers with a sentiment that seems to encapsulate everything the bakery stands for: “People above product,” he says firmly.
“Yes, we’re setting out to make the best cake you’ve ever had, but what matters more is the people. We want to honor them in the most important moments of their lives.”
In that moment, it becomes clear that LemonBar Bakery is more than a business. It’s a testament to passion, craftsmanship, and Jenay & Isaac’s desire to make a difference in their community. As they continue to grow their business, they do so with a focus on connection—one cake, one pastry, and one unforgettable moment at a time.
Check out LemonBar Bakery at lemonbarbakery.com and follow them on Instagram at @lemonbar.bakery.
All orders can be placed via IG or email at [email protected]
Or via phone at 951-514-5372
Watch Issac and Jenay’s interview here: The Sweet Journey of LemonBar Bakery | Meet Jenay & Isaac Fox
