"The commissary is an important step for Grand Central that will impact virtually every part of our production, allowing us to source and store high quality local, seasonal ingredients, while ensuring that every one of our products is filled with the same fresh flavors," said Piper Davis, co-owner and retail production manager of Grand Central Bakery.

Fifth retail location

The Grand Central Bakery Commissary will occupy 2,600 sq. ft. in the 10,700-sq.-ft. multi-use facility. "The bakery's grown to a size now where consistently producing high quality scratch products is a challenge in multiple locations," said Davis. "The ample warehouse space in the commissary will help us to buy larger amounts of local produce during the peak of harvest, which is good for us, good for the farmers, and good for our customers."

The warehouse that will house the commissary and retail location has undergone a $1.5 million renovation since it was acquired by Grand Central. The new bakery cafe will occupy 2,050 sq. ft. and will feature roll-up garage doors to create a cool and spacious dining environment for customers in the summer months.

"The new facility will also be a dynamic and engaging place for our employees to work as well as a gathering place for the neighborhood's food lovers," Davis added.

Grand Central Bakery produces hearth-baked, artisan breads for the Pacific Northwest. Founded in Seattle's Pioneer Square in 1972, the bakery has since opened four additional retail locations in Portland, Ore. Grand Central Bakery is family-owned and operated for two generations, beginning with founder Gwen Bessetti and now her son and daughter, Ben and Piper Davis.