ALBANY, CA — Fifteen years after its conception, Starter Bakery is set to open its latest iteration on Oct. 25. The new storefront, located at 1183 Solano Ave. in Albany, CA, marks the second retail presence for Starter Bakery, joining the flagship location in Oakland and expanding the bakery’s reach in the Bay Area.
“Opening on Solano Avenue allows us to share our passion for baking with even more of our neighbors,” said Brian Wood, founder and master baker of Starter Bakery. “The aromatics of the neighborhood are about to change — we imagine our neighbors will simply be able to follow their noses to find us.”
Brian disclosed that the Albany location will pay homage to the flagship shop … with a twist.
“There are similar elements, and it’s different, which is exciting,” he told Craft to Crumb. “Starter Bakery is different from how it was when it opened in Oakland two-and-a-half years ago. Because of that, it needs to show some change.”
The new shop will offer much of the same Viennoiserie, breads, cookies, pies and more that Starter is known for. This includes the bakery’s signature kouign-amann in flavors ranging from traditional and hazelnut to Dubai chocolate and seasonal fruit options.
Additionally, the Solano Avenue bakery cafe will debut store-exclusive sugar-dusted beignet donuts in flavors including chocolate-filled, vanilla-filled, citrus curd and classic.
The build itself features indoor and outdoor seating areas and a flow sequence that emphasizes Starter’s signature baked goods as customers enter the space.
Starter Bakery’s Albany location will be open 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday.
