Nestled in the heart of Bay St. Louis, a charming coastal town known for its character and culinary delights, lies a hidden gem that has been captivating locals and visitors alike with its exceptional artisanal bread – Serious Bread. This unassuming bakery is a testament to the dedication and passion of its owners and chef, and a must-visit destination for anyone seeking authentic, handcrafted bread.
📍 Location: 131 Main Street, Bay St. Louis, MS
⏰ Hours of Operation: Wednesday-Saturday: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM and Sunday 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
In a world dominated by processed foods and artificial additives, Al and Vivian Jensen are on a mission to bring back the authentic taste of artisan bread. Their bakery, Serious Bread, nestled in the heart of Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, is a testament to their unwavering commitment to providing the community with healthier and preservative-free options.
Meet Al, affectionately known as "the Bread Man." A retired oceanographer who once roamed the globe in pursuit of his career, Al discovered a common thread that transcended borders - a love for bread. Frustrated by the scarcity of artisanal bread on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, he decided to take matters into his own hands and become a baker.
But Al didn't embark on this journey lightly. He took his newfound passion seriously, attending workshops with a world-renowned baker in Vermont to hone his craft. With his wife Vivian by his side, they introduced their handcrafted loaves to regional farmers' markets, where they were met with enthusiastic demand from a community hungry for real bread.
Over the course of a decade, Serious Bread has evolved and expanded. The bakery has transformed into an intimate café, reflecting both the owners' love for the beach and the charm of New Orleans. Here, patrons can savor light and healthy fare, including chicken salad sandwiches, sunflower seed bread with a delectable sundried tomato basil spread, chickpea salad, and the freshest Kalamata hummus you've ever tasted. Chef Mary Williams, dedicated to promoting healthy eating, plans to add soups to the menu soon.
Responding to customer needs and a desire to provide a better experience, Serious Bread expanded into an adjacent suite. Vivian Jensen, the business's marketer and self-proclaimed "hopeless extrovert," explained, "When we simply had the bakery, customers had to walk into the small, hot bakery. If it is summer in South Mississippi, customers were sweltering inside as well as outside. I felt sorry for the customers. We had to expand."
Their loyal customer base also prompted them to establish a permanent retail location. As Bay St. Louis continues to grow, so does Serious Bread, in step with its vibrant community.
While Vivian continues to refine the café's decor with her artist friend, Bonnie Vallery, Al Jensen, the visionary of the pair, has his sights set on a dough press. Healthy, low-fat breakfast items and the highly requested cinnamon rolls will soon grace the menu. Wholesaling is also on the horizon for this dynamic duo.
Despite their growth, the Jensens remain committed to staying small and maintaining a close-knit team. Their daughter, Renee, has joined the family business, and the current staff of five full- and part-time employees work seamlessly together.
Serious Bread's commitment to quality is evident in every aspect of their operation. The bread, the heart and soul of their business, includes varieties like roasted sunflower seed, garlic rosemary sourdough, jalapeno and cheese, whole wheat sourdough, and oatmeal cinnamon raisin. The garlic flatbread is a crowd favorite and pairs perfectly with their renowned Kalamata hummus.
Behind the scenes, meticulous preparation is key. The grains for their bread soak in vats of water for 8 to 12 hours, eschewing chemicals in favor of natural processes. Rose Gooding bakes an array of sweets using various grains, including chocolate chip and peanut butter cookies, scones, and muffins. Williams and her daughter, Jhanavi, craft the sandwiches, salads, and spreads, ensuring that every dish highlights the star of the show - the bread.
Vivian aptly sums it up: "Our lunch offerings accentuate our bread, showcasing what we've got. After all, bread is half the sandwich. If you don't have good bread, you don't have a good sandwich."
At Serious Bread, quality is serious business, and each loaf is a testament to their dedication to providing the community with a healthier, tastier choice. Visit today and taste the passion and commitment that goes into every bite.
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