Historic Grand Avenue

Photo courtesy of Dorothy Londagin and the Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/OaklandHistory/ 

Few people know that before Bake Sum, I had a prior pop up called "La Chinoiserie" that made all sorts of Chinese inspired pastries and popped up in local biergartens slanging the first versions of Croissubis and macarons. As a part of that, back in 2016, I thought I was also ready for a brick and mortar location and placed a bid at 3249 Grand Avenue. I never heard back, I didn't get the bakery and forgot about it. In 2021, I received a call from Gail Lafayette asking if I was still interested in 3249 Grand Ave after we had started Bake Sum. It was perfect timing as we were riding an upswell of public interest in our pastries with coverage in the SF Chronicle, Eater, and all the local publications! I got to work pulling together an offer/moneys/design/equipment and so much more. You wouldn't believe what it takes to prove that you have what it takes to handle an 800 sq ft store with no track record. With a bit of persistence, we ended up getting what is now our little pink bakery.

It felt like kismet. A location I had dreamed about over 5 years ago now is the location of Bake Sum and now it was in even better condition than when I looked at it the first time. The longer that we are on Grand Ave, the more grateful we feel to be a part of such a special collective of mom and pop shops up and down the block. This past weekend, I met a family that had driven all the way from Tracy to visit our bakery and it really touched me because they mentioned how they have nothing like this where they are from. This is why we do what we do. Another customer told me how much they loved the mom and pop appeal of the Grand Ave side of the block in Oakland and that there was nothing quite like it in the rest of the city.

For all the families that are visiting in Oakland after a long while or haven't been here before, here is a small itinerary of locations that you shouldn't miss because they are truly one of a kind (in addition to picking up pastries at Bake Sum!). We're lucky to be a part of such a rich tapestry of Oakland history.

Alkali Rye- Oakland's beverage shop, they thoughtfully curate one of our favorite selections of spirits many made from BIPOC owners. Kori and Jessica run this local neighborhood shop and are known to host many tastings for the community. They'll help you make your next gathering extra special.

Two Two - An artistic space full of one of a kind clothing, jewelry and art pieces you will want to treasure for a lifetime. Cee Cee features and finds up and coming artists and designers from all around the world and hosts events and parties that are fun and thoughtful.

ReLove - Resale boutique store that is beautifully curated with big designer names and smaller indie names alike. Lots of gems here.

Walden Books - An easy way to lose your afternoon in a store full of beautiful used and new books. The books here are well curated and well loved since 1973. Bring books that you are done with here for a second life - they'll buy them from you at designated times of the week.

Grand Lake Theater - On Tuesdays, Grand Lake Theater does a matinee for $6. It's such a bargain and if you're in the main theater, there is oftentimes a live Mighty Wurlitzer organ performance before the show. It's a piece of Oakland history and is often where Pixar often hosts its movie premiers. Go watch a movie to take it all in and slow down a bit.

Brother & Sisters - It's a secret garden oasis in the middle of Oakland. Freya curates a really unique set of botanicals, flowers and vessels to really make your heart sing. If you're feeling like walking somewhere a little off the beaten path, this respite from the loud cars and pedestrians is perfect.

Oakland's Bonsai Garden - If you liked Brother and Sisters, then you'll love this Bonsai garden which is about another 15-20 minute walk from our shop along Lake Merritt. It's one of Oakland's best kept secrets and is lovingly curated by an army of volunteers. If you like Bonsai - there are monthly sessions to teach you how to do it yourself!

Marcom Rose Garden- 15-20 minutes in the other direction away from Lake Merritt, a tucked away rose garden in the middle of urban Oakland where you can stroll and picnic. It's the perfect spot to enjoy your pink box if you can't find a table around the shop. You may also catch a wedding or a photo shoot here.

The Alley - It's an unassuming green frontage of Grand and you'll miss it if you pass by in the daytime. I highly recommend checking it out at night as it is the oldest piano bar in the Bay Area, with a gang of regulars and crooners - some that will literally knock your socks off. There's also a beginner's hour if you want to give it a shot too.

Oaktown Spice Shop - A really unique set of spices that span the globe. It's a bit further down the block and brings you closer to the lake and the garden. It's a symphony for the nose.

For quick eats and bites our team constantly likes to visit these establishments for lunches!

Modigliani - A mom and pop panini sandwich shop and everything is made from scratch. Don't come here if you're in a rush, but come here if you want a delicious sandwich. Cash only - that's how you know it's good.

Miss Saigon - Jimmy is single handedly responsible for feeding the Bake Sum team many of the afternoons when we run out of time to make lunches for ourselves. Their pho, bánh mì and much more are worthy of your lunches on Grand.

Almond and Oak - Chef Rico makes a mean brunch and dinner. Fresh, farmer's market produce, wood burning oven, full bar and a killer interior make for a really fun date night.

Rico Rico - Scratch made tortillas, al pastor served with fresh pineapple. We've heard it's the kids of two taco truck families that got married and now they've graced us with their presence over on the Lakeshore side, right around the bend from Grand Ave.

Suptea Lab - A boba shop that's affordable, friendly and serves up some tasty popcorn chicken. One of the newest additions to Grand that we can't stop eating at.