Established in late 2016, The Baker - New Bedford is a dream come true for Owner / Head Baker and New Bedford native, Brandon Roderick.
Brandon left his scholarship at Tufts University to pursue what he loved and enrolled at Le Cordon Bleu - Boston in 2009. It was during his time at Le Cordon Bleu that Brandon naturally found his way into the pastry department and under the tutelage of Master Chef Ying Wei Luo, drawing comparisons between pastry and his science studies.
After graduating summa cum laude, Brandon returned back to his front of the house roots providing the ultimate guest experience as a server at some of the best and most notable Boston restaurants (Erbaluce, Il Casale, restaurant Dante, Sensing, and Masa - just to name a few). Brandon missed the pastry world and figured out a way to do both Front of the House and Back of the House: early morning baking shifts! He started baking in the early morning hours (while waiting tables at night) at Swiss Bakers and would add Crema Cafe, and Appleton Cafe - Boston to his resume.
In 2014, Brandon accepted a job as General Manager of Ella's Wood Burning Oven Restaurant working closely with the experienced owners to learn everything about restaurant finances and operations. Concurrently, Brandon also taught at Massasoit Community College in Brockton, MA teaching classes in the pastry arts department.
In 2016, the former space of Braza Rotisserie Chicken located at 562 Pleasant Street became available. Brandon remembers peering into the window and being able to see his vision for a Parisian-inspired open air bakery / cafe in the heart of downtown New Bedford. He called that very moment and said he was interested. The company - appropriately & intentionally named The Fertile Crescent, Inc. - was created in September 2016.
The Baker - New Bedford opened its doors on December 29, 2016. Brandon, with the help of his talented crew, is able to fulfill his vision of serving fresh artisan pastry, bread, sandwiches & coffee in a warm, relaxed, and inviting atmosphere filled with the liveliness of downtown New Bedford.
The Baker - New Bedford is committed to serving the freshest, hand-made, artisan pastries matched with superb hospitality in a welcoming atmosphere. Feedback is always encouraged and welcomed. We invite you to join us at The Baker - New Bedford where everything is real and always fresh.