Where the Magic Happens
It took a long road to get where I am today.
Starting my company was inspired by the sweat and determination demonstrated by the predecessor company I previously baked for – Serious Bread. Robert Buels is a savvy dude who really knew how to make great tasting bread, pita and bagels. I owe Robert a great deal of thanks for inspiring me to start my own company – to succeed in the face of adversity and stand up to unforeseen challenges.
In January of 2009 I came up with the concept on my own to start a bread company and called it BigFoot Bread because I wanted something that would bring a smile to anyone’s face and the knowledge that we were rooted in the Pacific Northwest much like our namesake. It took over six months to develop recipes, purchase equipment and find a stable environment to bake my bread. I found a kitchen in NE Portland to start building my company.
On July 4th, 2009 I opened the doors to my company and started producing bread products that many have come to know and love. Over the next year we (various employees and myself) developed new products, discarded old ones and those that failed; we found success, hardship, struggles and triumphs. The cost of running this company did not come without sacrifices but for those who’ve helped me grow as a businessman and human being have seen me change in a positive manner. I know that I have many failings and I struggle to be professional – much of the time – but I know I have changed my attitude and continue to move forward. BigFoot Bread is a better more successful company than that first day on January 29, 2009 when I registered the name in Salem, Oregon.
You see a commercial grade dishwasher. I see heaven on Earth!
Nineteen months later the kitchen I leased was forced to close it’s doors forever and displaced my company. If not for the kindness of Packer Orchards, I would have needed to shut down operations but for two months I traveled from Milwaukie to Hood River to bake fresh bread for the two main markets of the winter : Oregon City and Hillsdale Farmers Market. When the time came for me to find a new location, I ventured to my new location at 3rd Avenue & Clay just under the Hawthorne Bridge.
I am astounded. A real professional commercial kitchen – licensed, local, and smartly run by an organization with a vision to feed the homeless of Portland known as Potluck in the Park. I am indeed a blessed man to have great co-tenants at a location close enough to ride my bicycle to work. You really can’t ask for much more; BigFoot Bread company will continue to grow, change and become more proficient and successful.
Here’s to many more years of the BigFoot Bread Company and for a long and healthy lifestyle in the Portland area Farmers Markets and local grocer stores. Cheers to you who’ve supported my company and my philosophy to keep it local!
Thank you,
Greg (aka BigFoot)
We hope to see YOU at the market soon!
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Our official first day of business was on July 5th, 2009 at the Hillsdale Farmers Market. Our company was organized and registered with the state of Oregon on January 29, 2009.
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Revised October 31, 2011
