Breadsmith was founded in 1993 with the philosophy that ‘we have old-world values in a new world.’ We make the finest artisan breads in the time-honored traditional way, by hand without additives and preservatives, using only the best ingredients. Our dough is never frozen and our breads are baked in a five-ton, European hearth stone oven. We also make specialty breads and a wide range of cookies, muffins and sweets. Breadsmith artisan bakeries can now be found throughout the nation, and our franchising office is located in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin.

Award-Winning Bread

We have received accolades for our European-style breads including top honors from Bon Appétit magazine, Modern Baking, International Culinary Salon, National Restaurant Association and “Best of” awards throughout the country.

Our Story

1990s

1993: Breadsmith’s founder, Dan Sterling, opened our original Breadsmith bakery on Downer Avenue in Milwaukee, WI. Based on its success and the popularity of European-style breads, we began franchising our artisan bakery brand to local owners and operators across the nation later that year.

1990s

Early-to-Mid 1990s: We dramatically expanded the availability of our products by offering our baked goods to highly respected local restaurants and catering companies. By the late 1990’s, our artisan breads could be found in specialty grocery stores, farmers markets, and other locations.

2000s

2002: During a time of rapid expansion and growth, we started importing our five-ton European hearth stone ovens and mixers made to our specifications directly from Italy. We also started providing our local bakeries with highly-specialized maintenance support services to ensure that these important pieces of equipment functioned properly.

2000s

Early-to-Late 2000s: In order to satisfy the varying taste preferences for our bakeries across the nation, Breadsmith developed hundreds of different product recipes. We now feature more than 300, including several developed during this time.

2010s

Summer 2014: One year after we celebrated the 20th anniversary of our first bakery, we opened a newly designed bakery in Whitefish Bay, WI. The updated layout and design elements were selected to reflect our “old-world values” in a modern setting, while meeting the needs of our growing artisan bread business.

2010s

Winter 2014 — Spring 2015: We were warmly welcomed to two new markets, Brooklyn, NY and Oro Valley, AZ. More than 30 Breadsmith bakeries can now be found in 16 states, each providing locally customized menus.

2010s

2016: Along with several other notable brands that “exhibit a strong promise of potential growth…,” Breadsmith was named to the list of “Top Ten Emerging Brands” by Fishbowl, a leading provider of restaurant marketing software.

2020s

We adapted to the changing times with curbside pickup, online ordering, and expanded delivery options. These innovations made it easier than ever for our communities to enjoy warm, artisan loaves from the comfort of home.

Tomorrow

Breadsmith will continue delivering the highest quality, made-from-scratch baked goods using time-honored baking techniques, while serving each community in which we operate.

Community

At Breadsmith, we’re committed to being actively engaged in each of the communities we serve. Through partnerships with local non-profit organizations, we demonstrate our commitment to community involvement through product and gift certificate donations, sponsorships of local events, and community fundraisers. Our bakeries also take advantage of locally sourced products when making their baked goods. In addition, each Breadsmith location donates its unsold baked goods to local food pantries at the end of each day.

Our Donations

Nourishing our communities with scratch-baked goodness.

100 tons seems like significant amount. That’s because it is!

At the end of each day, our neighborhood bakeries donate their unsold bread to local non-profit organizations, food pantries and soup kitchens in the communities they serve. In fact, more than 200,000 lb. of artisan bread is donated to those in need each year. Want to learn more? We invite you to contact your local Breadsmith for more information.

Our Involvement

Teaming up to fight hunger with heart and hands.

Preventing hunger by providing nutritious food to people in need is a critical aspect of Hunger Task Force’s mission. For several years, all four Milwaukee area Breadsmith bakeries have teamed up to raise funds and awareness for this important cause during a one-day community fundraiser. In addition, team members from Breadsmith’s franchising office have volunteered at the organization’s local farm, harvesting and washing nearly 500 pounds of locally grown lettuce and other vegetables.

Our Ingredients

The locally sourced ingredients behind your favorite breads.

Several Breadsmith bakeries use local fruits, honey and eggs in the production of their made-from-scratch baked goods, while also offering regional favorites such as jams, jellies, and oils in their stores. For example, a team member at Breadsmith of Appleton (WI) grows and harvests a variety of locally grown zucchini for use in that bakery’s fresh from the oven dessert breads.