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When exploring Little Rock’s culinary landscape, one name consistently rises to the top: Community Bakery. Community Bakery is more than just a place to grab a quick pastry or sandwich; it is an institution, a piece of Little Rock’s history, and a vibrant part of its present community development story.
This is more than just a neighborhood bakery; it stands as a cornerstone of the community, intertwining with the city’s fabric through its rich history, inviting atmosphere, and sincere dedication to its people. The owners of Community Bakery carry a long-standing legacy and work diligently to uphold their social responsibility of caring for neighbors, fostering a welcoming space for gatherings, and offering delicious food for celebrating everyday moments and special occasions.
A Journey Through Time: The History of Community Bakery
Community Bakery’s story began in the late 1940s when Ralph Henson founded it in 1947. Over the years, it changed hands several times, with each owner adding a unique touch to its legacy. Many stories circulate about its origins—ranging from family recipes to a rebellious group of bakers starting their own venture—but it’s clear that Henson created something beloved on Main Street.
In 1978, Agnes Bargiel, Henson’s cake decorator, purchased the business from her boss. This was a significant achievement for a woman to own a part of Main Street. Agnes fostered a culture of kindness that many Little Rock leaders fondly remember from their childhood, where a Saturday morning visit or an after-school stop always promised a “yes” for a sweet treat, and parents could never resist the idea, as she insisted!
In 1983, Joe Fox, educated at Stanford and Harvard, arrived in Little Rock to lend his voice, talents and time to the civil rights movement at the city’s forefront. Accustomed to sipping morning espressos while reading the newspaper, he found that Little Rock lacked public spaces for such gatherings at the time. Fox approached Ms. Agnes and asked if he could use her shop at night to make pastries to sell alongside morning coffee. She responded, “Why don’t you own the place, expand it, and create what you describe?” After receiving advice about social development suggesting that the best way to understand a town was to own a business there, he realized this was the perfect opportunity.
With a background in social activism, Fox expanded the bakery by adding a café and introducing espresso to Little Rock long before it became common. His vision was to create a welcoming space for people from all walks of life to gather. The bakery eventually relocated to its current spot on Main Street, which enhanced its visibility from the interstate and expanded its offerings.
Juli and John Brandenberger round out the leadership as the bakery’s fourth owners. Like their predecessors, they acknowledge the bakery’s significance to the community. Juli grew up with Community Bakery as her neighborhood bakery and understands its importance to the people of Little Rock.
In 2023, Community Bakery was inducted into the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame, a testament to its lasting legacy. The Brandenbergers take their role seriously, preserving the story and honoring the people who built relationships and serve their community daily.
More Than Just a Name: Community at the Core
The name “Community Bakery” signifies much more than a simple label; it reflects a mission. The bakery’s dedication to its community is evident in every facet of its operation. When you see how deeply they care about people, their role in the community, and their commitment to giving back, you might be tempted to indulge in a cookie daily (though it doesn’t require much motivation!).
The name “Community Bakery” symbolizes what the bakery represents: a place where people come together. Located on Main Street, Community Bakery has become a central hub in Little Rock and the SoMa district. It serves as a venue where government officials, business professionals, hospital patients and neighbors congregate, fostering a unique and inclusive atmosphere united by the shared enjoyment of delicious food or celebratory treats.
Team Members and Business Model
The bakery’s business model goes beyond merely seeking profit. They actively employ individuals from transitional programs, including those coming from the prison system, escaping homelessness or recovering from addiction. This commitment to creating opportunities is central to their identity. The owners uphold the philosophy of offering a “hand up, not a handout,” a crucial stepping stone to a new beginning. They also emphasize employee benefits, such as health insurance, retirement plans and a holiday savings plan, recognizing the significance of supporting their team, even if it means making sacrifices. Here, people genuinely matter!
Community Bakery Gives
Community Bakery’s commitment to giving back is significant. They support the community in meaningful and consistent ways. Their collaboration with local programs like the City of Little Rock and Our House, which assists those in transition, fosters long-term development. While it doesn’t always succeed, they intentionally create a safe environment for individuals to learn and regain employment, which is a crucial step in personal growth. They understand that being in this type of place establishes them as a vital part of their neighborhood and contributes to a stronger narrative for the City of Little Rock.
They established a program called CB Gives Back, partnering with a local Title I school in Little Rock or North Little Rock to provide a $500 donation for teacher training, appreciation or student recognition. They plan to double their contribution in the coming year, basing their giving budget on profits from previous years. With their surplus, they pledge to support one school yearly to enhance access to opportunities, one at a time. The focus is on assisting schools with the greatest needs and empowering them to decide how to use the funds. The bakery’s commitment to women and children is reflected in its philanthropic efforts, stemming from the owner’s professional background and personal experience as a mother.
Partake in the Experience
Community Bakery is more than just a place to buy food; it’s an experience that invites everyone to the table. Many customers drive through to grab lunch or take it to go, but the dining room is open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., bustling during mealtimes and serene with soft conversations in between. On weekends, busy families come by for breakfast treats and to pick up celebration desserts for their festivities. It truly is the neighborhood spot where neighbors come together.
The Café
The café offers a variety of delicious options, including the popular smoked goat panini and the classic breakfast sandwich on a buttery croissant. It’s a great spot to sit down, enjoy a meal, and watch the city go by. The quiche and soup selections change daily, but the daily special may vary with the seasons. Lunch always includes a staple like the tarragon chicken salad or Juli’s pimento cheese. It’s the perfect bite that makes you feel like you’re in a New York bakery.
All sandwiches are served on housemade bread, which is available daily in the store’s market section. If you require a larger quantity, it can also be ordered in advance.
The Bakery
The bakery offers a variety of treats, from iced sugar cookies to custom cakes. Many people discover Community Bakery at showers, birthday parties or backyard gatherings, where they taste something amazing and feel inspired to discover who created it. They utilize traditional techniques, such as hand-scooping cookies and using vintage mixers, while also adopting technology, such as edible printing on cookies—the first of its kind in Arkansas.
Watch for seasonal treats like King Cakes in spring, Hot Cross Buns for Easter, and fruitcakes during Christmas.
Above all, Community Bakery serves as a gathering place. It’s a destination to come, sit, drink, enjoy, and share moments with others. The owners aim to cultivate a genuinely welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels at home. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a visitor passing through, you’ll discover a warm and inviting environment at Community Bakery, a true gem in the heart of Little Rock.
Community Bakery
1200 Main Street | Little Rock
11121 N. Rodney Parham | Little Rock – New full-service location opening before Easter
501-375-6418
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