KANSAS CITY, MO — Since 2023, the James Beard Foundation has honored excellence in the retail baking space, and the latest Outstanding Bakery winner to join the likes of Yoli Tortilleria and ZU Bakery is Wild Crumb in Bozeman, MT.
Founded and owned by twin sisters Lauren Heemstra and Caroline Schweitzer, the artisan bakery has been in business since 2013. It specializes in various artisan breads, pastries and sweet goods, crafted with locally sourced flour. Menu items also change on a monthly basis, influenced by seasonal ingredients and local produce.
“It’s a really special part of what makes Bozeman Bozeman,” said Erin Cox, croissant manager for Wild Crumb. “We are so fortunate that we have incredible ingredients to work with on a daily basis; it makes it so much fun.”
In addition to Erin, a collective of the bakery’s team members were in attendance to collect the James Beard award, including front of house manager Claire Ramey, executive pastry chef Hope Romeo, GM Kelsey Ludin, kitchen manager Jessie Arian and bread manager Swarthy Tock.
“Getting the recognition that we’ve worked really hard for, even though we never expected it, is just incredible,” Hope said.
Kelsey shared that the accolade honors the work of every member of the Wild Crumb team, from the dishwashers to the bakers to those staffing the front of house.
“We have so many employees back home, and we really are representing them,” Kelsey said. “There are so many young bakers that come in at 1 or 2 a.m. every morning with a smile on their face, and they love working at Wild Crumb. This win is for them and everyone who shows up every day to make quality, consistent products.”
