Avalon Breads bakes bread at the Hearth and Soul of Detroit, devoted to using 100% organic flour, and maintaining a triple bottom line. Eat well, do good.
In June of 1997, we pulled the first loaves of bread out of our newly installed hearthstone oven in a small, converted storefront in the Cass Corridor of Detroit: Avalon International Breads was born. When Avalon began, our greatest aspiration was to become an inspiration to others. Now, our customers, our employees and the community are inspiring us as we find new ways of fulfilling Avalon’s mission: Eat Well. Do Good. Avalon has grown as the Hearth and Soul of Detroit into a new production facility, the Avalon Bakehouse on Bellevue in Detroit. We now deliver our bread throughout Metro Detroit to a store near you for your tasty convenience. Avalon's Flagship Location is at 422 W. Willis. The Avalon Bakehouse is located at 4731 Bellevue, Detroit, MI. Avalon Cafe and Kitchen is located at 120 E. Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI Avalon Cafe and Bakery is located at 1049 Woodward Ave, Detroit MI 48226
Our neighborhood, the Cast Corridor of Detroit, is a very underserved neighborhood. So our idea was to start a business and to prove to people and to ourselves that there could be a business that would thrive here that could do good and do well. Were neither business owners or bakers when we started the business. And I think the biggest thing that makes us unique is we inspire other people to do businesses and that's what the city needs. Our customers basically have marketed for us. The other thing though is we really want to be a place that hires people who live in the neighborhood or at least in the city. Avalon has a way to work with our employees as we do this direct operating report. Briefly go over labor costs, food costs, sales. What we've learned is that they really care. Since we've started at least 12 small businesses have opened up in our immediate neighborhood. Many residential developments have been created and it's just become a real thriving, fun neighborhood. Of course, we're thrilled and honored to be one of the recipients of this award. Possibly it'll be a chance to spread the word about what a great business environment Detroit is. I think people really think it's a very hard place to do business. And in our experience that hasn't been the case. I think it should be a magnet for entrepreneurs from all over the country and possibly the world who have a passion and want to start something in a place where it'll be really appreciated.
