Food producer network 2020 grantee

Masa Madre LCC / Levain Artisan Breads & Bakery

An artisanal bakery is one where the baker uses all of his or her knowledge and ability to create goods superior in quality, flavor, and appearance. That is what Joy and José are pursuing with Levain Artisan Breads & Bakery, dedicated to the production and sale of European-style artisan breads. Their breads and baked goods are free of additives and preservatives and are made with high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, including the eggs, milk, and butter used in their recipes.

This power couple has the perfect combination of experience – Joy worked in sales, marketing, and the hospitality industry, while José trained to be a baker at the International Culinary Center (formerly French Culinary Institute) in New York City. They supply their retail bakery products to their immediate community and visitors from different areas of Puerto Rico, and sell them at the Old San Juan Farmers Market. They also sell wholesale to hotels, restaurants, and coffee shops throughout the island.

With the support of WCK, Joy and José aim to increase their production capacity by purchasing an additional oven. They aspire to reach different towns on the island, such as Mayagüez, Rincón, Dorado, Guaynabo and Caguas through distribution points and via a new virtual storefront.