Bread & Cie opened its doors in San Diego's Hillcrest neighborhood in December 1994, baking just 35 loaves on its first day. Founded by Charles and Dori Kaufman, the bakery was born from a passion for crafting old-world, rustic bread. Charles, who transitioned to baking from a career in film production, credits his wife Dori as his steadfast partner in building the business. Over the years, the bakery has become a local institution, supplying over 150 of San Diego's top dining establishments and serving customers daily with fresh, handmade breads and pastries.
Operating out of an imported stone-hearth oven in Hillcrest, Bread & Cie has maintained its commitment to traditional baking methods. Using natural starters instead of commercial yeast, hand-shaping each loaf, and avoiding preservatives are all hallmarks of the bakerys dedication to quality. Today, Bread & Cie is known not only for its bread but also for its Viennoiserie, pastries, and café menu.
Bread & Cie's 30th-anniversary festivities kick off on December 14 at 1pm in its Hillcrest cafe with a Baguette Eating Competition, where participants will vie for a chance to win up to $100 in cash. Entry is free, with same-day sign-ups available. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to secure parking. The celebration continues through December 15 with additional events, including 99-cent baguette specials, Instagram sweepstakes, 30th Anniversary cupcakes, opportunity to record your favorite Bread & Cie memory in a in-cafe confessional booth, and live music from a wandering Faux-French accordionist singing real French songs while wearing a genuine French beret. The bakery is also donating 50% of the weekend’s proceeds to Voices of Our City Homeless Choir.
Bread & Cie is located at 350 University Avenue in San Diego's Hillcrest. For more information, visit breadandcie.com.
Originally published on December 6, 2024.
